【Learn Chinese】Chinese Words for Stationery Items (Part 1)

As the new school year begins, why not boost your Chinese vocabulary with some essential stationery terms? From pens to pencil cases, this article will give you 10 must-know Chinese words to confidently navigate any stationery aisle.
Whether you’re preparing for a study abroad program, helping your children with their Mandarin lessons, or simply wanting to expand your vocabulary, learning these essential Chinese words for stationery items will give you a great head start.

Pen 笔
The Chinese character for “pen” is笔. It’s pronounced as “bǐ.“ The character is composed of two parts: 竹 (zhú), meaning “bamboo,” and 聿 (yù), representing a brush or writing tool. This reflects the historical use of bamboo in making writing instruments in ancient China.
A pen is an indispensable tool in any student’s school supplies. Whether you’re taking notes, writing essays, or drawing diagrams, a reliable pen is essential for expressing your thoughts clearly on paper.

Pencil 铅笔
Are you a pen (笔; bǐ) or a pencil person? The age-old stationery debate has definitely puzzled many. But it’s always useful to know both in Chinese. 铅笔 (qiān bǐ) is the Chinese word for “pencil.” 铅 (qiān) means “lead,” which refers to the chemical substance, and 笔 (bǐ) means “pen,” which you just learned.
Here’s a bonus word: 铅笔刀 (qiān bǐ dāo), literally “pencil knife.” It translates to “pencil sharpener” — a must-have tool to keep our pencils sharp.
Ever wondered why most kids start with a pencil (铅笔) instead of a pen (笔) when learning to write? Using a pencil allows kids to build a strong foundation in handwriting while giving them the freedom to make mistakes and erase them easily.

Mechanical Pencil 自动铅笔
Another classic debate in the stationery world is between mechanical pencils and wooden pencils (铅笔). The consistency, convenience, and cleanliness of mechanical pencils often make them the preferred choice for taking notes.
However, when it comes to sketching, wooden pencils offer more uniqueness and character to your drawings. Fortunately, there’s no confusion when it comes to the Chinese word for “mechanical pencil.” Simply add the term 自动 (zì dòng), meaning “automatic,” before 铅笔 (pencil).
Together, 自动铅笔 (zì dòng qiān bǐ) translates to “mechanical pencil” or “propelling pencil” in British English.
In a Chinese stationery store, if you ask for 铅笔, the shopkeeper will likely assume you want a wooden pencil. So, be specific and ask for 自动铅笔 if you’re looking for a mechanical pencil.

Ballpoint Pen 圆珠笔
When it comes to reliable and smooth writing, a ballpoint pen is a go-to choice for many. The Chinese word for “ballpoint pen” is 圆珠笔 (yuán zhū bǐ). 圆 (yuán) means “round” or “circular,” referring to the ball in the pen’s tip. 珠 (zhū) means “pearl” or “bead,” further emphasizing the round shape. 笔 (bǐ), as you’ve learned, means “pen.”
Ballpoint pens are widely used for their convenience and durability. Their ink tends to dry almost instantly, so they’re less likely to smudge on the paper than other types of pens.
Whether you’re signing documents, jotting down notes, or doodling in your notebook, having a 圆珠笔 in your stationery kit is a must.

Highlighters 荧光笔
Highlighters are essential for emphasizing important information in textbooks, notes, and documents. To say “highlighter” in Chinese is 荧光笔 (yíng guāng bǐ). 荧 (yíng) means “fluorescent” or “glow.” 光 (guāng) means “light.” 笔 (bǐ), as you’ve learned, means “pen.”
Highlighters come in various bright colors and are perfect for drawing attention to key points, making studying and reviewing more efficient. Keeping a few 荧光笔 in your stationery collection ensures you can always mark the important stuff in style.