Spanish · Home, Clothes & Daily Life
"Pen" in Spanish: bolígrafo
el bolígrafo
A pen is el bolígrafo (boh-LEE-grah-foh). It is masculine. Many people shorten it to el boli.
How to pronounce bolígrafo: audio and sound guideIn class
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How to pronounce bolígrafo
Say it
boh-LEE-grah-foh
/boˈli.ɣɾa.fo/
Four syllables: boh-LEE-grah-foh. Stress LEE. Soft g like English g.
"Pen" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el bolígrafo | pen (ballpoint) Standard word for a ballpoint pen. | Standard word for a ballpoint pen. |
| el boli | pen Informal short form of bolígrafo. | Informal short form of bolígrafo. |
| un bolígrafo azul | a blue pen Naming the ink color. | Naming the ink color. |
| ¿Me prestas un bolígrafo? | Can you lend me a pen? Common classroom ask. | Common classroom ask. |
How to use bolígrafo in real life
- 1In class
¿Me prestas un bolígrafo?
Can you lend me a pen?
Un bolígrafo is the ask.
- 2Buying school supplies
Necesito dos bolígrafos negros.
I need two black pens.
Bolígrafos is the plural.
- 3Signing a form
Firma con este bolígrafo, por favor.
Sign with this pen, please.
Este bolígrafo points to one pen.
Mistakes English speakers make with bolígrafo
Incorrect: La bolígrafo no escribe.
Correct: El bolígrafo no escribe.
Bolígrafo is masculine. Say el bolígrafo.
Incorrect: ¿Tienes un pen?
Correct: ¿Tienes un bolígrafo?
Use bolígrafo, not the English word pen.
Good to know
Good to knowBolígrafo is the clear Latin American word for a ballpoint pen. Informal boli is common. Pluma may mean a fountain pen.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Filling out a form
ChatPal
¿Trajiste un bolígrafo?
Did you bring a pen?
You
Sí. Tengo un bolígrafo azul.
Yes. I have a blue pen.
ChatPal
Firma aquí abajo.
Sign down here.
You
Listo. Ya firmé.
Done. I signed.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Pen" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Pen" in Spanish
Is bolígrafo masculine or feminine?
Masculine: el bolígrafo, un bolígrafo nuevo.
Can I say boli?
Yes, informally. Formal writing prefers bolígrafo.
How do you pronounce bolígrafo?
boh-LEE-grah-foh. Stress LEE.
Is pluma the same?
Sometimes. Pluma often means a fountain pen.
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