Spanish Conversation · Level 16
90 words
Spanish word
clavar
Pronunciation
IPA/klaˈβaɾ/
Meaning
- verbdrive in
Example
Voy a clavar este clavo con un martillo.
I'm going to drive this nail in with a hammer.
More examples
Ella clavó la mirada en la foto.
She fixed her gaze on the photo.
Core concept
A nail set firmly into a plank of wood.
Common phrases
clavar un clavo
drive in a nail
clavar la vista en
fix one's gaze on
clavar los ojos en
fix one's eyes on
Similar words
fijar: Attach an object to a surface so it remains fixed and stable.
atornillar: Fasten parts together by turning a screw so the pieces hold tightly.
martillar: Strike an object with a hammer to apply force, shape, or move it.
Definition in Spanish
Expresa la acción de hundir con fuerza un elemento puntiagudo hasta que quede fijo, y también se emplea en sentido figurado para señalar que se logra algo con exactitud o firmeza.
Word origin
From Latin clāvus 'nail', clavar is a verb formed from that noun that keeps the literal sense of driving a point in and extends to mean fixing or hitting something precisely.
Usage tips
- Colloquially 'me clavaron 50 euros' commonly means the speaker was overcharged.