Spanish word

clavo

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈklaβo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnail

Example

Necesito un clavo para colgar este cuadro.

I need a nail to hang this picture.

Illustration for clavo (nail)

More examples

¿Puedes sacar ese clavo sin dañar la pared?

Can you pull that nail out without damaging the wall?

Core concept

Metal spike with a flat head used to fasten pieces of wood together.

Common phrases

  • clavo en la pared

    nail in the wall

  • sacar un clavo

    pull out a nail

Similar words

chincheta: Tiny sharp metal tack with a flat head that pins papers or lightweight objects to walls or boards.
tornillo: Threaded metal fastener that pulls materials tight as it is turned into place.
clavija: Small round plug or pin that inserts into holes or sockets to power or attach devices.
grapa: Narrow metal staple that a stapler bends to clamp sheets of paper together.

Definition in Spanish

Pieza metálica delgada con una punta y una cabeza que se introduce en la madera u otros materiales para unirlos o fijarlos.

Word origin

Borrowed from Latin clavus 'nail', which passed through medieval Latin into Spanish and produced related words such as clavar 'to drive in'.

Usage tips

  • The expression dar en el clavo means 'to hit the nail on the head' and is commonly used in everyday speech.

Other meanings

  • clovenoun
  • tacknoun

Related words

  • clavarhammer inverb
  • clavadonailedadjective

Word lists with this word