シャープペンシル
しゃーぷぺんしる
noun
mechanical pencil; propelling pencil
1.
mechanical pencil; propelling pencil (with refillable leads)
A pencil with a thin lead that can be extended or retracted using a mechanism, typically by clicking the end. Refill leads are replaceable. In casual speech, almost always shortened to {シャーペン}. The full form {シャープペンシル} sounds slightly formal or old-fashioned.
シャープペンシルで書く。
To write with a mechanical pencil.
新しいシャープペンシルを買った。
I bought a new mechanical pencil.
試験では鉛筆ではなくシャープペンシルを使う学生が多い。
Many students use mechanical pencils rather than regular pencils for exams.
シャープペンシルの芯が折れてしまったので、新しいものに替えた。
The lead of the mechanical pencil broke, so I replaced it with a new one.
A Japanese-made English (wasei-eigo) term — the word 'sharp pencil' is not used in English, where 'mechanical pencil' or 'propelling pencil' is standard. The name derives from an early Japanese brand 'Ever-Sharp' and became generic in Japanese.
USAGE:
In everyday conversation, almost always shortened to {シャーペン}. The full {シャープペンシル} appears mainly in writing, on packaging, or in formal speech. Students and office workers use them constantly; most study notes and exams in Japan are written with them.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- シャープペンシルで書く: to write with a mechanical pencil
- シャープペンシルの芯: the lead of a mechanical pencil
- シャープペンシルの芯が折れる: the lead breaks
- 芯を入れる: to insert lead refills
- シャープペンシルを使う: to use a mechanical pencil
SIMILAR WORDS:
- シャーペン: everyday contraction — the usual spoken form
- 鉛筆: (regular) pencil — wooden, sharpened by hand
- 芯: the lead (inside a mechanical pencil or pencil)
- ボールペン: ballpoint pen
- 万年筆: fountain pen
REGISTER:
Neutral; the full form is slightly more formal than {シャーペン}. Both are standard. Schools and publishers typically use the full form in official documents.