оліве́ць
olivécʹmasculine
The Ukrainian word for pencil is оліве́ць (olivécʹ).
The term refers to a graphite writing instrument.
Meaning: graphite writing-instrument (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of олівець is олівці. To express the meaning 'with a pencil', use the instrumental case form олівцем.
How do you pronounce it?
olivécʹ
Did you know?
- The word оліве́ць is derived from the word for 'lead', as people originally believed graphite was a form of lead.
- The word for 'sharpening' a pencil, стругати, is a verb that can also be used for 'shaving' or 'whittling' wood.
- Writing with an олівець is often associated with 'drafting' or 'sketching' in Ukrainian, and the phrase писати олівцем can imply that a decision is not yet final.
Examples in context
- Мені потрібен олівецьI need a pencil
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
