algunos lápices
/alɡunos lapiθes/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "some pencils" is algunos lápices.
algunos lápices is used to refer to a small or unspecified number of writing tools made of graphite.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of algunos, which means "some" and lápices, which means "pencils".
Which one should you use?
In English, "some" is used for both countable and uncountable nouns. In Spanish, the word algunos must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun lápices.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lápices is the plural form of lápiz. When forming the plural, the z changes to a c before adding the es ending.
How do you pronounce it?
/alɡunos lapiθes/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the feminine form algunas lápices. Although lápices ends in es, the noun lápiz is masculine and therefore requires the masculine algunos.
Did you know?
- The word lápiz comes from the Latin lapis, meaning 'stone', because the earliest writing tools were pieces of slate or stone.
- In some Latin American regions, a pencil is jokingly called a mina because mina refers to the lead core, but in other contexts, mina is slang for a girl or a mine.
- The word lápiz is a cognate of the English word 'lapidary', which refers to the engraving or polishing of stones.
Examples in context
- Debió haber comprado algunos lápices.He should have bought some pencils.Tatoeba #1880200 by marcelostockle, translation #25760 by CK
- Necesito algunos lápices para mi trabajo.I need some pencils for my work.
- ¿Me puedes prestar unos lápices, por favor?Can you lend me some pencils, please?
- La tienda tiene algunos lápices de escribir en venta.The store has some writing pencils for sale.
- Oye, ¿tienes algunos lápices que me prestes?Hey, do you have some pencils you can lend me?
- Necesito algunos lápices para el dibujo.I need some pencils for the drawing.
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are organizing their school supplies.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes algunos lápices que me prestes?Javier, do you have some pencils that you can lend me?
- JavierSí, tengo unos cuantos aquí.Yes, I have a few here.
- MaríaGracias, solo necesito algunos lápices para dibujar.Thanks, I only need some pencils for drawing.
- JavierDe nada, María. Aquí tienes.You're welcome, Maria. Here you go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
