el lápiz
/el lapiθ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the pencil" is el lápiz in Spanish.
The noun lápiz is masculine and uses the definite article el.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "a pencil" instead of "the pencil", replace the definite article el with the indefinite article un. The plural form of el lápiz is los lápices, where the z changes to c before adding the plural suffix.
How do you pronounce it?
/el lapiθ/
Did you know?
- The word lápiz is a doublet of the Spanish word lápida, which means 'tombstone'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, people use a small handheld sharpener called a sacapuntas, which literally means 'point-remover' or 'point-maker'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you ask for un lápiz and receive a charcoal stick or a crayon, you might be confused, as many regions use the word lápiz specifically for graphite-based pencils.
Examples in context
- ¿Has roto el lápiz?Have you broken the pencil?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has broken el lápiz.Tatoeba #10272445 by Seael, translation #10272441 by SabukHitam
- Recoge el lápiz del suelo.Pick up the pencil from the floor.This sentence is useful for telling someone to pick up el lápiz from the floor.Tatoeba #2256737 by marcelostockle, translation #49467 by CK
- Afilé el lápiz con un cuchillo.I sharpened the pencil with a knife.This sentence is useful for describing sharpening el lápiz with a knife.Tatoeba #6366062 by baudelaire, translation #10874431 by Luornu
- Necesito el lápiz para escribir mi ensayo.I need the pencil to write my essay.
- Por favor, ¿me puedes prestar el lápiz de grafito?Could you please lend me the graphite pencil?
- ¿Tienes un lapicero que pueda usar?Do you have a pencil I can use?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are in a classroom.
- Daniel¿Dónde está el lápiz?Where is the pencil?
- ElenaEl lápiz está sobre tu mesa.The pencil is on your table.
- DanielGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, lápiz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
