llave

key

noun YAH-beh Rare

Origin: From Latin clavis 'key'.

Also means

wrench, tap

Usage Note

Llave covers a door key, a wrench/spanner (llave inglesa, adjustable wrench), and a water tap (in much of Latin America, where Spain uses grifo). The phrase bajo llave means 'under lock and key'. The double ll is pronounced like English 'y' in standard Latin American Spanish.

Examples

"Olvidé las llaves en casa."

Natural Translation

I left the keys at home.

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