clavo
/KLAH-boh/
nail
In construction, 'clavo' refers to a metal nail used to join materials.
📝 In Action
Necesito un martillo y un clavo para colgar este cuadro.
A1I need a hammer and a nail to hang this picture.
Ten cuidado con ese clavo oxidado.
A2Be careful with that rusty nail.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', which is common for masculine words, remember that 'clavo' never changes to 'clava' when referring to hardware.
⭐ Usage Tips
Hardware Store Tip
In a hardware store (ferretería), nails are often sold by size in inches (pulgadas) or millimeters.
In the kitchen, 'clavo' is the aromatic clove spice used for flavoring.
📝 In Action
Añade dos clavos de olor a la carne.
B1Add two cloves to the meat.
El clavo es muy bueno para el dolor de muelas.
B2Clove is very good for toothaches.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Spice' Descriptor
While 'clavo' alone can mean the spice, Spanish speakers almost always say 'clavo de olor' (nail of scent) to distinguish it from the metal tool.
⭐ Usage Tips
Visual Memory Aid
The spice is called 'clavo' because the dried flower bud looks exactly like a small handmade metal nail.
As a verb, 'clavo' means 'I nail' or 'I am hammering a nail'.
📝 In Action
Yo clavo la madera mientras tú la sostienes.
A2I am nailing the wood while you hold it.
💡 Grammar Points
Present Form
The word 'clavo' is the 'Yo' (I) form of the verb 'clavar'. It describes what you are doing in the current moment.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse with Noun
Mistake: "Using 'el clavo' when you mean 'I nail'."
Correction: Say 'Yo clavo' for the action, and 'el clavo' for the object.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: clavo
Question 1 of 2
If someone says '¡Diste en el clavo!', what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'clavo' used for a clove of garlic?
No. For garlic, Spanish uses the word 'diente' (tooth), as in 'un diente de ajo'.
Can 'clavo' mean a problem?
In some informal contexts in Latin America, 'un clavo' can refer to a difficult situation, a debt, or even a 'white elephant'—something hard to get rid of.