lápis
/ˈla.pis/masculine
The English word 'pencil' is lápis in Portuguese.
lápis is a masculine noun used to refer to a graphite writing instrument.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
lápis is an invariable noun. This means its form does not change in the plural. Only the article changes to indicate plurality, such as in os lápis (the pencils).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈla.pis/.
Did you know?
- The word lápis is a linguistic relative of the Portuguese word lápide, which means 'tombstone'.
- The word lápis shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lapidary', which refers to someone who cuts precious stones.
- In Portuguese, lápis shares the same root as the Latin word for 'stone'.
Examples in context
- Me dê o lápis.Give me the pencil.This sentence is useful for requesting a lápis.Tatoeba #4809989 by Ricardo14, translation #4748877 by reblica
- Isto é um lápis.This is a pencil.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is a lápis.Tatoeba #977913 by alexmarcelo, translation #55799 by CK
- Este lápis é seu?Is this pencil yours?This sentence is useful for asking if a lápis belongs to someone.Tatoeba #879811 by alexmarcelo, translation #60226 by CK
- Eu preciso de um lápis novo.I need a new pencil.
- Você tem um lápis que eu possa emprestar?Do you have a pencil I can borrow?
- Você tem uma caneta ou lápis que eu possa usar?Do you have a pen or pencil I can use?
- Eu sempre prefiro escrever com caneta ao invés de lápis.I always prefer writing with a pen instead of a pencil.
- 121 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are studying together at a table.
- FelipeMariana, você tem um lápis?Mariana, do you have a pencil?
- MarianaTenho sim, aqui está o lápis.Yes, I do, here is the pencil.
- FelipeObrigado, eu preciso desenhar.Thank you, I need to draw.
- MarianaDe nada, Felipe.You're welcome, Felipe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil” translations and entries lápis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lápis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
