lápiz óptico
/ˌlapiθ ˈobtiko/
In Spanish, the English phrase stylus pen is translated as lápiz óptico.
A lápiz óptico refers to a pen-shaped instrument used to input data or draw on a touchscreen device. You can specify the device by adding more information, such as lápiz óptico para tableta for a stylus pen for tablets or puntero para pantalla táctil de teléfonos for a stylus pen for touch screens on phones.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lápiz, meaning pencil and óptico, meaning optical.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, lápiz óptico becomes lápices ópticos. The z at the end of lápiz changes to ces to create the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌlapiθ ˈobtiko/
Did you know?
- The word lápiz is a 'doublet' of the Spanish word lápida, which means a gravestone or tombstone.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, a stylus is called a puntero, which literally means 'pointer'.
- While lápiz óptico is the technical term, many Spanish speakers simply use the word lápiz when the context of a tablet is already clear.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar un lápiz óptico para mi trabajoI need to buy a stylus pen for my work
- Mi hermana me regaló un lápiz digital para usar con mi tabletMy sister gave me a stylus pen to use with my tablet
- Necesito un lápiz óptico para mi tableta.I need a stylus pen for my tablet.
- El lápiz óptico no funciona bien.The stylus pen is not working well.
- ¿Dónde dejaste el lápiz óptico del iPad?Where did you leave the iPad stylus pen?
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in their living room looking for a tool to draw.
- Javier¿Has visto mi lápiz óptico?Have you seen my stylus pen?
- ElenaNo, Javier, no lo veo por ninguna parte.No, Javier, I don't see it anywhere.
- JavierLo necesito para terminar este dibujo.I need it to finish this drawing.
- ElenaBusca en la mochila, quizás esté allí.Look in the backpack, maybe it is there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lápiz óptico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lápiz, óptico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
