To provide a multicolor writing utensil, in which color can be easily selected only by operating an operating part by touching with the thumb without shifting the writing utensil from its writing state to other state.

An axially elongated hole 15 is provided on the peripheral surface of a rear shaft 2 so as to slidably mount an operating means 16 in the elongated hole 15. At the same time, an engaging projection 31 projecting inwards the rear shaft 2 is provided on the under surface of the operating means 16 so as to engage with an engaging groove 23 spirally provided on the peripheral surface of a tubular cam 11 arranged pivotally around the axis line in the rear shaft 2. At the same time, the rear ends 9a and 10a of the cam bearers 9 and 10 attached to the rear ends of respective leads 5 and 6 are abutted against the fore end surface 17 cut aslant to the axis line in the tubular cam 11 so as to rotate the tubular cam 11 by sliding the operating means 16 along the elongated hole 15 in order to retract and extend the fore end of the desired lead 5 or 6 from and beyond the fore end opening part 1b of a fore shaft 1.