lápiz
neutral, Mexico
In Mexican Spanish "pencil" is lápiz. The plural is lápices, and a pencil sharpener is un sacapuntas.
Lápiz is masculine: el lápiz, un lápiz. School supply lists in Mexico always ask for lápices and un sacapuntas.
Meaning: writing tool with a graphite core (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural changes the z to c: un lápiz, dos lápices.
How do you pronounce it?
Stress the first syllable: LÁ-piz. The final z sounds like an "s" in Mexico.
Did you know?
- In Mexico a ballpoint pen is called pluma, not bolígrafo, which is the more common word in Spain.
Examples in context
- Necesito un lápiz.I need a pencil.
- ¿Me prestas tu sacapuntas?Can you lend me your sharpener?
- Escribe con lápiz, no con pluma.Write in pencil, not in pen.
Example conversation
Dani asks her classmate Tomás for help before an exam in Monterrey.
- DaniTomás, ¿tienes un lápiz de sobra?Tomás, do you have a spare pencil?
- TomásSí, toma. Pero está sin punta.Yes, here. But it is not sharpened.
- DaniNo importa, tengo sacapuntas.No problem, I have a sharpener.
