Spanish Phrase
¿Tienes bolitas de poliestireno?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether the listener possesses small beads made of polystyrene. Polystyrene beads are commonly used in arts‑and‑craft projects, model‑making, or as lightweight filler. The question is informal and can be used in a shop, a classroom, or a hobbyist’s workshop.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to check if a store, a friend, or a colleague has polystyrene beads for a craft or packaging purpose. It works in both casual conversation and in a more practical setting like a hobby shop.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Tienesbolitasdepoliestireno?
Tienes (present of tener)
Second‑person singular present of the verb *tener* (to have). It is used for informal questions and statements.
Bolitas (diminutive)
The suffix *‑ita* makes a noun smaller or more affectionate; *bolita* = little ball, *bolitas* = little balls.
de (preposition)
Links the noun *bolitas* with the material they are made of, indicating composition.
poliestireno (noun)
A type of plastic, often used for packing peanuts or craft beads. It is a masculine, invariable noun.
🗨In Conversation
¿Tienes bolitas de poliestireno?
Do you have polystyrene beads?
Sí, tengo un paquete de 500. ¿Para qué lo necesitas?
Yes, I have a pack of 500. What do you need them for?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Tú tienes bolitas de poliestireno?
In a question the subject pronoun is usually omitted; using *tú* sounds redundant.
¿Tienes bolas de poliestireno?
Using *bolas* changes the meaning to regular balls; the diminutive *bolitas* conveys the small size of the beads.
¿Tienes bolitas del poliestireno?
The word is masculine; do not add an article before it in this construction.
↔Alternatives
¿Tienes perlas de poliestireno?
Do you have polystyrene pearls?
¿Tienes esferas de poliestireno?
Do you have polystyrene spheres?
¿Tienes bolitas de espuma?
Do you have foam beads?
Cultural Tip
Polystyrene beads are popular in Spanish‑speaking countries for school projects ("manualidades") and for filling cushions or packaging. However, because polystyrene is not biodegradable, many craft stores now offer eco‑friendly alternatives like biodegradable foam beads. When asking in a store, you can also say *¿Tienen* if you’re speaking to a clerk in a more formal tone.