In Spanish, the word for "pen" as a writing tool varies by region and context. The most common terms include:

• el bolígrafo: Used in most Spanish-speaking countries for a ballpoint pen.

• el boli: A common, informal term for a ballpoint pen, especially in Spain.

• la pluma: Often refers to a fountain pen, but can also mean any pen, particularly in Mexico and other regions.

• la birome: Used in the River Plate region (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc.).

• el esfero: Common in Colombia and Ecuador.

• la lapicera: Used in South America (e.g., Argentina, Chile, Peru) and can refer to both fountain and ballpoint pens.

• el lapicero: Used in Central America and the Andes region.

Additionally, "pen" can be used metaphorically or in other contexts:

• la jaula or el corral: Can mean a pen for animals.

• encerrar or acorralar: Verbs meaning "to pen" or "to confine."

• As a verb, pen translates to escribir (to write) or componer (to compose), as in "Alicia penned the lyrics" (Alicia compuso la letra).

Common phrases include:

• La pluma vale más que la espada. – "The pen is mightier than the sword."

• El escrito difamatorio – "Poison-pen letter."

• Un seudónimo – "Pen name."

For everyday use, el bolígrafo is the most widely understood term across Spanish-speaking regions, while el boli is popular in Spain.