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bolígrafo

boh-LEE-grah-foh/boˈliɣɾafo/

“bolígrafo” means “ballpoint pen” in Spanish (writing instrument).

ballpoint pen

Also: pen
NounmA1
Argentina & UruguayMexicoColombia & Peru
A single blue ballpoint pen lying on a clean white surface.

📝 In Action

¿Me prestas un bolígrafo, por favor?

A1

Can you lend me a pen, please?

Tengo que firmar el contrato con un bolígrafo azul.

A1

I have to sign the contract with a blue pen.

Se me acabó la tinta del bolígrafo.

A2

My pen ran out of ink.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • boli (pen (shortened/informal))
  • pluma (pen (common in Mexico))
  • lapicero (pen (common in Central/South America))

Antonyms

  • lápiz (pencil)

Common Collocations

  • bolígrafo de gel – gel pen
  • escribir a bolígrafo – to write in pen
  • bolígrafo retráctil – clicky pen / retractable pen

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "bolígrafo" in Spanish:

ballpoint pen→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: bolígrafo

Question 1 of 2

Which of these would you use to write something that cannot be easily erased?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
boli(pen (short version)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
párrafofotógrafotelégrafo
📚 Etymology▼

Created by combining 'bola' (ball) and the suffix '-grafo' (which comes from a Greek word meaning to write). It literally describes a 'ball-writer' because of the tiny rotating ball at the tip.

First recorded: Mid-20th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bolígrafoItalian: boligrafo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'pluma' instead of 'bolígrafo'?

Yes, especially in Mexico and some other Latin American countries. However, in Spain, 'pluma' usually refers specifically to a fountain pen (the fancy kind you dip in ink or use with a cartridge).

Is 'birome' a real word?

Yes! It is the standard word for pen in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It's named after László Bíró, the inventor of the ballpoint pen.