mina
/ˈmina/feminine
In Spanish, pencil lead can be translated as mina or grafito.
Meaning: graphite refill for writing tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mina | /ˈmina/ | feminine |
| grafito | /ɡɾaˈfito/ | masculine |
These terms refer to the graphite refill used in a writing tool.
Which one should you use?
Use mina when you are referring to the specific replaceable core or the thin rod of material found inside a pencil. Use grafito when you are referring to the chemical substance itself rather than the physical component of the writing tool.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, some people use the term grafito to refer to pencil lead. In México, punta de grafito is a variation for pencil lead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mina is minas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmina/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using plomo to mean pencil lead. In Spanish, plomo refers specifically to the heavy metal lead and using it for a pencil is a common mistake.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar minas de lápiz?Where can I buy pencil lead?
- Tengo que cambiar las puntas de mi lápiz.I need to change the pencil lead.
- No encuentro mis minas de lápiz. ¿Me prestas las tuyas?I can't find my pencil lead. Can you lend me yours?
- La mina de este lápiz es muy suave.The lead of this pencil is very soft.
- Necesito comprar una mina de repuesto para mi portaminas.I need to buy a replacement lead for my mechanical pencil.
- Se rompió la mina mientras escribía.The lead broke while I was writing.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are studying in the library.
- MateoLucía, ¿me prestas un portaminas?Lucía, can you lend me a mechanical pencil?
- LucíaSí, pero creo que no tiene mina.Yes, but I think it doesn't have any lead.
- MateoNo importa, yo tengo minas extra.It doesn't matter, I have extra leads.
- LucíaPerfecto, entonces toma el lápiz.Perfect, then take the pencil.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pencil lead” translations and entries mina, grafito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
