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clave

KLAH-veh/ˈklaβe/

password, code

Also: key, PIN
NounfA2
A cartoon hand typing on a brightly colored padlock-shaped keyboard, causing the lock to click open.

📝 In Action

Olvidé la clave de mi correo electrónico.

A2

I forgot my email password.

Por seguridad, cambia tu clave cada mes.

B1

For security, change your code every month.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • contraseña (password)
  • código (code)

Common Collocations

  • clave de acceso – access code/key
  • clave secreta – secret key/password

key, crucial

Also: decisive, vital
A single, large, shiny golden key placed prominently in the center, symbolizing its essential nature.

📝 In Action

La honestidad es un valor clave en nuestra familia.

A2

Honesty is a key value in our family.

Identificamos los puntos claves de la negociación.

B1

We identified the crucial points of the negotiation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • factor clave – key factor
  • momento clave – crucial moment

key, crux

Also: clue
NounfB1
A brass key turning in a simple, oversized keyhole, representing the solution to a problem.

📝 In Action

La clave para resolver este problema es la paciencia.

B1

The key to solving this problem is patience.

Su testimonio fue la clave del caso.

B2

His testimony was the key to the case.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar con la clave – to find the key/solution

clef

Also: keystone
NounfB2
A large, distinct black treble clef symbol floating against a bright background.

📝 In Action

La clave de sol indica las notas altas.

B2

The treble clef indicates the high notes.

El director de orquesta explicó la diferencia entre la clave de sol y la clave de fa.

C1

The orchestra conductor explained the difference between the treble clef and the bass clef.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • clave de sol – treble clef
  • clave de fa – bass clef

Translate to Spanish

🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: clave

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'clave' as an adjective (describing a noun)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
llave(physical key) — Noun
clavija(peg, pin) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin term *clavis*, which meant 'key' (the physical object used to open a door) or 'bar/bolt'. This root naturally evolved to mean both the physical key and, figuratively, the essential element or solution to a problem.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: chiaveFrench: clé

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Frequently Asked Questions

If 'clave' means 'key', why is it always feminine ('la clave') when talking about passwords, but 'llave' (physical key) is also feminine?

'Clave' (password/code/crucial factor) comes from the Latin word for key (*clavis*), which was feminine. 'Llave' (the physical object you use to open a door) also comes from the same root. So both are feminine, but they refer to different types of 'keys': 'clave' is usually abstract (code, factor), and 'llave' is physical (door key).

Does 'clave' change form when used as an adjective?

No. This is a great thing to remember! When 'clave' describes a noun (meaning crucial or essential), it is 'invariable,' which means it always stays 'clave.' You can say 'el punto clave' (singular, masculine) and 'las preguntas clave' (plural, feminine).