Inklingo

How to Say "tap" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llave

/ya-beh//ˈʎa.be/

nounA2general
Use 'llave' when referring to the faucet or tap that controls the flow of water or another liquid.
A modern silver kitchen faucet with a stream of clear water pouring into a white sink.

Examples

Cierra la llave del agua para que no se desperdicie.

Turn off the water faucet so it's not wasted.

La llave de la cocina está goteando.

The kitchen faucet is dripping.

macho

/MAH-choh//ˈmatʃo/

nounB2technical
Use 'macho' when referring to a specific tool used for cutting internal screw threads.
A metal tap tool used for cutting internal screw threads resting on a workbench.

Examples

Necesitamos un macho de métrica 8 para hacer la rosca.

We need an M8 tap to make the thread.

El cable tiene un macho que se conecta a la hembra del enchufe.

The cable has a plug (male connector) that connects to the socket (female connector).

tapa

TAH-pah/ˈtapa/

nounB1specialized
Use 'tapa' in cobbling contexts to mean the heel piece of a shoe that is being repaired or replaced.
A detailed close-up of the bottom end of a slender black high heel, showing the small, round, black rubber heel tip.

Examples

Necesito llevar estos zapatos al zapatero para cambiar la tapa.

I need to take these shoes to the cobbler to change the heel tip.

La tapa de mis botas ya está muy gastada.

The sole/heel tip of my boots is already very worn out.

Confusing 'llave' with other meanings

The most common mistake is using 'llave' when you mean the tool ('macho') or the shoe part ('tapa'). Remember that 'llave' specifically refers to a faucet or valve controlling flow.

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