How to Say "valve" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “valve” is “llave” — use 'llave' for a simple faucet or tap that controls the flow of water or gas, typically found in homes or everyday settings.
English → Spanish
llave
ya-behˈʎa.be
nounA2general
Use 'llave' for a simple faucet or tap that controls the flow of water or gas, typically found in homes or everyday settings.
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.
válvula
nounB1technical/general
Use 'válvula' for more mechanical or technical devices that regulate flow, including those in engines, tires, or biological contexts.
Examples
La válvula del neumático tiene una pequeña fuga de aire.
The tire valve has a small air leak.
Faucet vs. Mechanical Valve
The most common mistake is using 'válvula' when you mean a simple household faucet. Remember that 'llave' is the go-to word for controlling water or gas flow from a tap, while 'válvula' is for more complex, often mechanical, components.
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