Inklingo
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lápiz

/LAH-pees/

pencil

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

The most common translation for lápiz is 'pencil,' a writing or drawing instrument.

lápiz(noun)

mA1

pencil

?

writing or drawing instrument

📝 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)

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form Rule

When making the plural of Spanish words ending in 'z', you must change the 'z' to 'c' and add -es. So, 'lápiz' (one pencil) becomes 'lápices' (multiple pencils).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Misgendering the Noun

Mistake: "La lápiz"

Correction: El lápiz. Remember that 'lápiz' is masculine, even though many Spanish words ending in 'z' are feminine.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Con'

To say 'write with a pencil,' use the preposition 'con': 'Escribir con un lápiz'.

A black cosmetic eyeliner pencil, designed for applying makeup.

In the context of cosmetics, lápiz can refer to a liner, such as an eyeliner or lip liner.

lápiz(noun)

mB1

liner

?

cosmetic product (eyeliner, lip liner)

Also:

crayon

?

wax or colored chalk stick

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Describing the Type

To specify what kind of 'lápiz' you mean (e.g., eyeliner), you almost always follow it with 'de' and the object it's used for: 'lápiz de labios' (lip 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

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.