lápiz
/ˈlapiθ/masculine
The Spanish word for pencil is lápiz.
lápiz is the most common and widely-used translation for the English word pencil.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of lápiz is lápices.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlapiθ/.
Did you know?
- The word lápiz is a 'doublet' of the Spanish word lápida, which means 'tombstone' or 'epitaph'.
- In certain contexts, the phrase sacar punta is used to describe sharpening a lápiz. This literally means 'to take out the point'.
- While lápiz is universal, some regions use the term mina to refer specifically to the graphite core inside the lápiz.
Examples in context
- Ése es mi lápiz.That's my pencil.This sentence is useful for identifying possession of a lápiz.Tatoeba #1198520 by cueyayotl, translation #1196221 by FiRez
- Me dio un lápiz.She gave me a pencil.This sentence is useful for describing receiving a lápiz.Tatoeba #5136812 by ficion, translation #5136543 by Airvian
- Mi lápiz es rojo.My pencil is red.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a lápiz.Tatoeba #4795982 by alegarvid, translation #1764748 by CK
- Por favor, ¿me prestarías un lápiz?Could you please lend me a pencil?
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are in a classroom.
- JavierMaría, ¿tienes un lápiz que me prestes?María, do you have a pencil I can borrow?
- MaríaSí, Javier, aquí tienes uno.Yes, Javier, here is one.
- JavierGracias, se me perdió mi lápiz.Thanks, I lost my pencil.
- MaríaNo hay problema, yo tengo muchos.No problem, I have many.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil” translations and entries lápiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lápiz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
