How to Say "pen" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “pen” is “bolígrafo” — use 'bolígrafo' for the common ballpoint pen, the everyday writing tool you'd typically find in an office or a school supply store..
English → Spanish
bolígrafo
nounA1general
Use 'bolígrafo' for the common ballpoint pen, the everyday writing tool you'd typically find in an office or a school supply store.
Examples
¿Me prestas un bolígrafo, por favor?
Can you lend me a pen, please?
pluma
/ploo-mah//'plu.ma/
nounA2general
Use 'pluma' when referring to a fountain pen, or more broadly, any writing instrument that uses ink, especially for formal or artistic purposes.
Examples
Necesito una pluma para firmar estos documentos importantes.
I need a pen to sign these important documents.
Mi abuelo todavía usa una pluma estilográfica antigua.
My grandfather still uses an old fountain pen.
Historical Connection
This meaning comes directly from the quill pen—a feather used for writing before modern pens existed.
Bolígrafo vs. Pluma
Learners often mistakenly use 'pluma' for any type of pen. Remember that 'bolígrafo' is the standard, everyday word for a ballpoint pen, while 'pluma' usually refers to a fountain pen or a more formal writing instrument.
Related Translations
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