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lápiz

LAH-peesˈlapis

“lápiz” means “pencil” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

pencil

NounmA1
Mexico
A single, sharp, yellow wooden pencil with a pink eraser resting on a surface.

📝 In Action

Por favor, escribe tu nombre con un lápiz.

A1

Please write your name with a pencil.

Mi hijo perdió su lápiz favorito en la escuela.

A1

My son lost his favorite pencil at school.

Necesito un lápiz y un cuaderno para la clase.

A1

I need a pencil and a notebook for class.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • lapicero (mechanical pencil (often))

Common Collocations

  • sacapuntas de lápiz – pencil sharpener
  • mina de lápiz – pencil lead (graphite)

liner

Also: crayon
NounmB1
A black cosmetic eyeliner pencil, designed for applying makeup.

📝 In Action

Compré un lápiz de labios rojo para la fiesta.

B1

I bought a red lip liner for the party.

El niño dibujó con un lápiz de cera azul.

B1

The boy drew with a blue wax crayon.

Ella siempre usa lápiz negro para delinear sus ojos.

B2

She always uses black eyeliner to line her eyes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • delineador (eyeliner (more formal))

Common Collocations

  • lápiz de ojos – eyeliner
  • lápiz de cejas – eyebrow pencil

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "lápiz" in Spanish:

crayon→pencil→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: lápiz

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the plural form of 'lápiz'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
lápices(pencils (plural)) — Noun
lapicero(mechanical pencil / pen holder) — Noun
lapicería(stationery store (in some regions)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from Catalan 'llapis', which ultimately traces back to the Latin word 'lapis', meaning 'stone' or 'gem'. This likely refers to the graphite core, historically mistaken for 'black lead' or a type of stone, used for writing.

First recorded: 16th century (in its modern form/meaning)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: lápis

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'lápiz' masculine if it ends in 'z'?

While many Spanish nouns ending in 'z' are feminine (like 'luz' or 'paz'), 'lápiz' is one of the important exceptions and is always masculine: 'el lápiz'.

What is the difference between 'lápiz' and 'lapicero'?

In most Spanish-speaking regions, 'lápiz' is the standard wooden pencil. 'Lapicero' usually refers to a mechanical pencil or a pencil case/holder, though this can vary by country.