French word

clé

Pronunciation

IPA/kle/

Meaning

  • feminine nounkey

Example

J'ai perdu ma clé.

I lost my key.

Illustration for clé (key)

More examples

Il a laissé sa clé dans la boîte aux lettres.

He left his key in the mailbox.

Core concept

A small metal key inserted into a lock and turned to control its mechanism.

Common phrases

  • la clé de la voiture

    car key

  • la clé de secours

    spare key

  • tourner la clé

    turn the key

Similar words

serrure: A locking mechanism built into a door or box and operated by a key.
cadenas: A small portable lock with a shackle, opened with a key or combination.
clé USB: A small USB flash drive used to store and carry data.

Definition in French

Objet métallique, généralement petit, qui sert à ouvrir ou fermer une serrure en manipulant son mécanisme.

Word origin

French clé comes from Latin clavis through Old French forms such as clef, with the modern spelling reflecting later French development.

Usage tips

  • Clé is feminine, so the usual article is une clé, including in une clé de voiture and une clé de maison.

Other meanings

  • wrenchnoun
  • musical clefnoun

Word lists with this word