Sharpie
/saɾpje/from spelling rules
In Spanish, Sharpie is used to refer to the brand of permanent markers.
Sharpie refers to the specific brand of permanent markers. While this brand name is understood in many regions, the generic term for the object is marcador permanente.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, people commonly use plumón to refer to a Sharpie or permanent marker. In Mexico, you may hear the informal term plumón indeleble or the term marcador indeleble, which emphasizes that the marker leaves an indelible mark. In Spain, rotu is used as a colloquial abbreviation for rotulador.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Sharpie is used as a common noun in Spanish, it is treated as a masculine noun, such as un Sharpie.
How do you pronounce it?
/saɾpje/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, plumón is used for markers because the word literally means 'big feather', referring to the old quill pens used for writing.
- The term rotu used in Spain is a clipped version of rotulador, a word derived from the Latin 'rotulare' meaning to enroll or roll up a scroll.
- Depending on the country, you might use plumón, rotu or marcador for the same object, and using the 'wrong' one can immediately signal where you are from.
Examples in context
- María utilizó un rotulador permanente para hacer las marcas en las fotografías.María used a permanent marker to make the marks on the photographs.
- Todos los escritores del grupo utilizan plumones para subrayar ideas importantes.All the writers in the group use sharpies to underline important ideas.
- En México, el profesor nos pidió que escribiéramos nuestros nombres con marcador indeleble.In Mexico, the teacher asked us to write our names with a sharpie.
- Pásame el Sharpie, por favor.Pass me the Sharpie, please.
- Necesito un Sharpie para escribir en la caja.I need a Sharpie to write on the box.
- No encuentro mi Sharpie negro.I can't find my black Sharpie.
Example conversation
María and Javier are organizing some supplies at home.
- María¿Tienes un Sharpie para marcar estas bolsas?Do you have a Sharpie to mark these bags?
- JavierSí, lo tengo en mi escritorio.Yes, I have it on my desk.
- MaríaGracias, Javier. Lo usaré ahora mismo.Thanks, Javier. I will use it right now.
- JavierDe nada, María. Avísame si necesitas algo más.You're welcome, María. Let me know if you need anything else.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
