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clave

key

noun adjective KLAH-beh Less Common

Also means

clue

Usage Note

Clave as a noun means a key, code, or clue (la clave del problema). As an invariable adjective it means 'key' or 'crucial' (un momento clave, una figura clave) — it never adds -e or agrees in gender. Do not confuse with llave, which is the physical key for a lock.

Examples

"Esa decisión fue la clave del éxito."

Natural Translation

That decision was the key to success.

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