Overview
The word 铅笔 (qiān bǐ) refers specifically to a pencil, a common writing and drawing tool with a core made of graphite (historically lead). It is a basic noun used frequently in everyday contexts such as school, office, and art.
Usage Notes
铅笔 is always a concrete noun and does not have metaphorical uses. It is often used with measure words like 支 (zhī) to count individual pencils.
Common Collocations
- 一支铅笔 (yī zhī qiānbǐ): one pencil, the most common way to quantify pencils.
- 铅笔盒 (qiānbǐ hé): pencil case, a container for pencils.
- 铅笔芯 (qiānbǐ xīn): pencil lead, the graphite core inside the pencil.
Register and Tone
The term is neutral and appropriate in all formal and informal contexts. It is a basic vocabulary item taught early in Chinese learning.
Common Confusions
铅笔 should not be confused with 圆珠笔 (ballpoint pen) or 钢笔 (fountain pen). Each refers to a different writing instrument.
Summary
Use 铅笔 whenever referring to a pencil in Chinese. It is a straightforward noun with no special grammatical behavior but appears frequently in daily conversation, especially in educational settings.