porte-clef
/pɔʁ.tə.kle/masculine
The English phrase "keychain" is translated into French as porte-clef. If unsure, use porte-clef. It is also spelled porte-clé.
Meaning: chain or ring (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| porte-clef | /pɔʁ.tə.kle/ | masculine |
| porte-clé | masculine, alternative form |
A keychain is a chain or ring used to hold keys. The noun is masculine.
What does it mean word for word?
The term porte-clef is a compound of the verb porter (to carry) and clef (key), meaning it literally "carries key".
Which one should you use?
porte-clef and porte-clé are both used to refer to the object. While porte-clef refers to the specific object used to hold keys, the word trousseau is used to refer to an entire set or ring of keys.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular masculine forms are porte-clef or porte-clé. The plural forms can be written as porte-clefs or porte-clés. The form porte-clés is also a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /pɔʁ.tə.kle/.
Did you know?
- While porte-clef is the object, a French speaker uses trousseau to describe the actual bunch of keys. This word is also used for a 'trousseau' of linens and clothes prepared for a wedding.
- The French construction porte- is used in many surprising compound nouns, such as porte-monnaie for a wallet or porte-manteau for a coat rack.
- The word clef is an older spelling that has survived in specific musical terms, such as clef de sol (treble clef), even though 'clé' is more common for everyday keys.
Examples in context
- J'ai perdu mon porte-clés.I have lost my keychain.
- As-tu vu mon porte-clef?Have you seen my keychain?
- Mon port-clés est cassé.My keychain is broken.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau porte-clef.I bought a new keychain.
- Il a un porte-clef en cuir.He has a leather keychain.
- Où est mon porte-clef ?Where is my keychain?
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are in the living room looking for keys.
- ManonGabriel, tu vois mon porte-clef ?Gabriel, do you see my keychain?
- GabrielNon, je ne le vois pas.No, I don't see it.
- ManonIl est peut-être sur la table.It might be on the table.
- GabrielAh, le voilà !Ah, there it is!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keychain” translations and entries porte-clef, porte-clé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
