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: Refers to a fountain pen or can be used more generally for a pen, particularly in Mexico and other regions. It literally means "feather," reflecting historical writing tools.
la birome: Used in the River Plate region (Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of neighboring countries) for a ballpoint pen.
el esfero: Commonly used in Colombia and Ecuador for a ballpoint pen.
la lapicera: Used in South America (e.g., Argentina, Chile, Peru) and sometimes in Mexico to refer to a pen, often a fountain pen or ballpoint.
el lapicero: Used in Central America and the Andes region for a pen, typically a fountain pen or ballpoint.
Other related terms:
el marcador or el rotulador: Felt-tip pen or marker.
el lápiz: Pencil (note: in Mexico and Spain, "lapicero" refers to a pencil, not a pen).
la cartuchera: Pencil case.
el sacapuntas: Pencil sharpener.
As a verb, "to pen" translates to escribir (to write) or componer (to compose), as in:
Este autor ha escrito algunos de los textos más exhaustivos sobre el tema. (This author has penned some of the most thorough essays on the subject.)
Idiomatic expressions:
La pluma vale más que la espada. – "The pen is mightier than the sword."
La errata – "Slip of the pen."
El escrito difamatorio – "Poison-pen letter."
For a pen as an enclosure (e.g., for animals), the terms are:
el corral – livestock pen.
la jaula – cage or pen.
el redil – pen for sheep.
The choice of word depends on the region and context, with bolígrafo being the most widely understood across Spanish-speaking countries.
My girlfriend Is Mexicana and says that saying, "bolígrafo" isn't the correct way to say pen. Her mom says that "boligraf" is acceptable and my girlfriend says "pluma" is the correct way to say pen. What are your thoughts?
Do Spanish speaker use "bolígrafo" or "pen" in daily life?
The word pen: Would you agree with the map?
What's the correct way to say pen in Spanish?
I've only been taught the word "Boligrafo" but now its incorrect? [Spanish]
The word "bolígrafo" is more complex compared to the English word "pen." I've noticed that when English offers a simpler term for something commonly used in daily life, people often prefer to use the English word instead. Or do they use a word that is short of "bolígrafo," like demo is to demonstration or motel is to motor hotel?