chave
/ˈʃa.vi/feminine
The Portuguese word for 'key' is chave.
chave refers to a physical device designed to open and close a lock. Like in English, it is also used metaphorically to describe an essential or 'key' element of a solution. In a computing context, if you need to express the action of entering information, related verbs such as digitar or teclar are used.
Meaning: device designed to open and close a lock (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
chave is a feminine noun. The plural form is chaves. When referring specifically to car keys, you can use chaves do carro or simply as chaves.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈʃa.vi/.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese chave shares a common ancestor with the English word 'nail' through the Proto-Indo-European root *kleh₂w-.
- In Portuguese, the phrase chave na mão describes a property that is ready for immediate occupancy, similar to the English 'turnkey' property.
- In Portuguese, the word chave can also refer to a 'musical clef', such as the 'chave de sol' (treble clef).
Examples in context
- Essa é a chave.That's the key.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific chave.Tatoeba #4508502 by Ricardo14, translation #2251268 by CK
- Tom tem a chave.Tom has the key.This sentence is useful for stating possession of a chave.Tatoeba #4710312 by ajdavidl, translation #2648941 by CK
- Eu perdi a chave.I have lost the key.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have lost a chave.Tatoeba #405285 by brauliobezerra, translation #257268 by CK
- Por favor, você poderia me emprestar a chave?Please, could you lend me the key?
- Eu esqueci meu chaveiro em casa.I forgot my keychain at home.
- Ei, você pegou minha chavinha sem pedir!Hey, you took my little key without asking!
- Você tem a chave da fechadura?Do you have the key to the lock?
- Por favor, não esqueça suas chaves do carro.Please, don't forget your car keys.
- Eu confio em você para guardar a chave de casa.I trust you to keep the house key.
- Onde foi que eu perdi minha chave?Where did I lose my key?
- 296 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are at the front door of their house.
- CamilaOnde está a chave do carro?Where is the car key?
- LucasA chave está em cima da mesa.The key is on the table.
- CamilaVocê pegou a chave da casa?Did you take the house key?
- LucasSim, eu estou com ela.Yes, I have it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “key” translations and entries chave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chave, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
