Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| clé | /kle/ | feminine |
| clef | /kle/ | feminine |
The primary meaning of clé is a device designed to open and close a lock. It can also be used as an adjective to mean 'important' or 'indispensable' (for example, 'a key factor'). In this adjective use, clé is used as an invariable adjective or follows the noun it modifies. Specific types of keys use different terms: clé de contact refers to an ignition key, and trousseau de clés means a bunch of keys. If you are referring to a key on a keyboard, use touche or use the playful term sésame for 'key'. Note that décapsuleur is used for a bottle opener, which is a key for removing a cap.
Which one should you use?
The spelling clef is an older, more traditional spelling often found in musical contexts (like 'clef de sol') or formal literature, whereas clé is the standard modern spelling.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of 'clé' is 'clés'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kle/
Did you know?
- The word clé comes from the Latin clāvis, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'clavicle' because the collarbone is shaped like an old-fashioned key.
- The term trousseau de clés uses the word trousseau, which is also the word for a bride's traditional collection of linens and clothes.
- The French word for 'keyboard' is clavier, which is derived from the word clef. This links the physical lock device to the layout of a piano or computer.
Examples in context
- Sami a la clé.Sami has the key.This sentence shows Sami possessing the clé.Tatoeba #6673768 by GB3, translation #6672597 by OsoHombre
- As-tu la clé ?Do you have the key?This sentence is a question asking if someone has the clé.Tatoeba #8286399 by felix63, translation #2647712 by CK
- Où est ma clé ?Where is my key?This sentence asks for the location of the clé.Tatoeba #6171720 by felix63, translation #6736484 by Eccles17
- Pouvez-vous me donner la clé de la voiture?Can you give me the car key?
- N'oublie pas de prendre la clé de contact avant de partir.Don't forget to take the ignition key before you leave.
- J'ai perdu mon trousseau de clés.I lost my bunch of keys.
- Ce livre est la clé de la réussite.This book is the key to success.
- Appuie sur la touche 'Entrée'.Press the 'Enter' key.
- Ce rapport contient des clefs essentielles.This report contains key elements.
- 368 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are standing in front of their locked apartment door.
- HugoEmma, est-ce que tu as la clé ?Emma, do you have the key?
- EmmaNon, je ne trouve pas ma clé.No, I cannot find my key.
- HugoRegarde dans ton sac, s'il te plaît.Look in your bag, please.
- EmmaAh, la voilà ! Elle était au fond.Ah, there it is! It was at the bottom.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “key” translations and entries clé, clef, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clef, clé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
