clé Allen
The English phrase "hex key" is translated into French as clé Allen.
A clé Allen is a small, L-shaped tool used to turn bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket in the head. When you are in a workshop or a hardware store, clé Allen is the most common way to refer to this tool.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term clé Allen is often used to refer to a hex key.
Did you know?
- The word clé is a direct descendant of the Latin 'clāvis', which is also the root of the English word 'clavicle', the bone commonly known as the collarbone.
- The term clé Allen is a brand name that became a genericized trademark, similar to how English speakers use 'Kleenex' for tissues.
- Despite the phrase clé Allen being widely used in France, the tool was actually invented in the United States by Allen Manufacturing Company.
Examples in context
- Il me manque une clé Allen pour ce meuble.I am missing an Allen key for this furniture.
- Peux-tu me passer la clé Allen, s'il te plaît ?Can you pass me the Allen key, please?
- Cette vis nécessite une petite clé Allen.This screw requires a small Allen key.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are assembling a new bookshelf in the living room.
- HugoOù est la clé Allen pour le cadre ?Where is the Allen key for the frame?
- ChloéElle est dans la boîte à outils, Hugo.It is in the toolbox, Hugo.
- HugoMerci, je l'ai trouvée.Thanks, I found it.
- ChloéParfait, on avance vite !Perfect, we are making fast progress!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
