Inklingo

How to Say "clue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pista

/PEES-tah//ˈpis.ta/

nounA2general
Use 'pista' when you need a hint or a piece of information to help solve a mystery, mystery, or a riddle.
A magnifying glass hovering over a distinct, muddy footprint on a wooden floor, representing a clue.

Examples

No sé la respuesta, ¿puedes darme una pista?

I don't know the answer, can you give me a hint?

La policía no tiene pistas sobre el robo.

The police have no leads on the robbery.

Seguimos la pista de las huellas en la nieve.

We followed the trail of the footprints in the snow.

clave

KLAH-veh/ˈklaβe/

nounB1general
Use 'clave' when referring to the essential element or key that unlocks the solution to a complex problem, puzzle, or situation.
A brass key turning in a simple, oversized keyhole, representing the solution to a problem.

Examples

La clave para resolver este problema es la paciencia.

The key to solving this problem is patience.

Su testimonio fue la clave del caso.

His testimony was the key to the case.

idea

/ee-DEH-ah//iˈðe.a/

nounB1general
Use 'idea' primarily when expressing a lack of knowledge or understanding, often in the negative phrase 'no tengo idea' (I have no idea).
A vast, swirling cloud of indistinct gray mist or fog that obscures everything behind it, representing a vague notion or lack of clarity.

Examples

No tengo ni la más remota idea de lo que hablas.

I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.

Me da la idea de que no está contento.

I get the impression that he is not happy.

Para que te hagas una idea, es tan grande como un coche.

To give you an idea, it's as big as a car.

Pista vs. Clave

Learners often confuse 'pista' and 'clave'. Remember that 'pista' is for a specific hint or piece of evidence in a mystery, while 'clave' is more like the 'key' or core solution to a problem. 'Idea' is almost always used to express a lack of understanding.

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