chiave
/ˈkja.ve/feminine
The English word 'key' is translated into Italian as chiave.
chiave is a feminine noun referring to a device designed to open and close a lock. In a formal context, you can use chiave di accesso to mean 'access key' for something that grants access. The term chiave inglese refers to a wrench or an adjustable wrench. Metaphorically, the phrase chiave di volta can be used to mean a 'keystone' or a fundamental element of a system or theory. Additionally, chiave can function as an adjective meaning 'important' and it is related to the adjectives essenziale and indispensabile when expressing that something is 'indispensable'.
Meaning: device designed to open and close a lock (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of chiave is chiavi.
How do you pronounce it?
chiave is pronounced /ˈkja.ve/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word chiave comes from the Latin clāvem, which is the ancestor of the English word 'clavicle' because the collarbone is shaped like an old-fashioned key.
- Italian has a specific phrase chiavi in mano, which literally means 'keys in hand' and is used in real estate to describe a property that is move-in ready.
- In Italian music terminology, the 'key' of a piece is called tonalità, but the 'clef' symbol used at the beginning of a musical staff is called chiave.
Examples in context
- Io ho la chiave.I have the key.This sentence shows how to say you have the chiave.Tatoeba #4308800 by Guybrush88, translation #2360391 by CK
- È la tua chiave.That's your key.This sentence is used to identify that something is your chiave.Tatoeba #13124485 by Guybrush88, translation #9479879 by Amastan
- La chiave è qui?Is the key here?This sentence is useful for asking if the chiave is in a certain location.Tatoeba #13124668 by Guybrush88, translation #12603418 by urro
- Per favore, mi potrebbe dare la chiave della stanza?Could you please give me the key to the room?
- Per entrare nell'archivio, ti serve la chiave di accesso corretta.To enter the archive, you need the correct access key.
- Ho perso la chiavetta USB con tutti i dati!I lost the USB flash drive with all the data!
- 1051 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are standing in front of their apartment door.
- GiuliaAlessandro, hai la chiave?Alessandro, do you have the key?
- AlessandroNo, non la trovo nella borsa.No, I cannot find it in my bag.
- GiuliaControlla nelle tue tasche.Check in your pockets.
- AlessandroAh, eccola! È qui.Ah, there it is! It's here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “key” translations and entries chiave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiave, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
