lapis
/ˈlapis/
The English word pencil is lapis in Tagalog. Wiktionary also lists pensil.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| lapis | /ˈlapis/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| pensil | /ˈpensil/ (Standard Tagalog) |
lapis refers to a graphite writing instrument.
Which one should you use?
lapis is the standard and most common way to say pencil in Tagalog, while pensil is another form of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlapis/
When do people say it?
When asking a teacher for a pencil, a student can say Ma'am/Sir, may lapis po ba kayo? To politely ask to borrow a pencil, you can use the phrase Pahiram ng lapis, please? If you are shopping and want to know where to find pencils, you can ask Saan po makakabili ng mga lapis?
Did you know?
- The Tagalog word lapis is a doublet of lapida, which means 'gravestone'. Both words share a common root meaning 'stone'.
Examples in context
- Nahulog mo ang lapis mo.You dropped your pencil.This sentence shows how to say you dropped your lapis.Tatoeba #5300915 by katalex, translation #16283 by CK
- Binigyan niya ako ng lapis.She gave me a pencil.This sentence is used to say someone gave you a lapis.Tatoeba #11680592 by qwertzu, translation #5136543 by Airvian
- Binigyan niya ang bawat isa ng lapis.He gave each of them a pencil.This sentence shows how to say someone gave each person a lapis.Tatoeba #1800645 by nonong, translation #305385 by CK
- Kailangan ko ng isang lapis.I need a pencil.
- Pinaglihian kong bumili ng lapicerang pangguhit noong bata pa ako.I had this craving to buy a coloring pencil when I was young.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mark is looking for a writing tool in the classroom.
- MarkJasmine, mayroon ka bang sobrang lapis?Jasmine, do you have an extra pencil?
- JasmineOo, heto ang lapis ko.Yes, here is my pencil.
- MarkSalamat! Wala kasi akong dalang lapis.Thanks! I didn't bring a pencil.
- JasmineWalang anuman, Mark.You're welcome, Mark.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil” translations and entries lapis, pensil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lapis, pensil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
