Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| clavija | /klaˈbixa/ | feminine |
| tarugo | /taˈɾuɡo/ | masculine |
The English word peg refers to a cylindrical object. In Spanish, you can use clavija or tarugo depending on the specific object you are describing. If you are using peg as a verb meaning to fix or attach something, you can use colocar or fijar. Additionally, there are related verbs for different contexts: fijar means to fix a price or value, while tachar, motejar and tildar mean to indicate or ascribe an attribute to.
Which one should you use?
While both words translate to peg, they are used in different contexts. clavija often refers to a small electrical plug or a more delicate pin. In contrast, tarugo typically refers to a larger structural peg or a wooden dowel.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
clavija is a feminine noun and must be preceded by feminine articles such as la or unas. tarugo is a masculine noun and must be preceded by masculine articles such as el or unos.
How do you pronounce it?
/klaˈbixa/
Did you know?
- While tarugo is the standard word for a wall plug or dowel in Spain, in some Latin American countries, people prefer the word taco for the same object.
- While a 'peg' in English is a simple object, calling someone a tarugo in Spanish is a common way to call them a 'blockhead' or a 'dummy'. It describes a person who is clumsy or slow-witted.
- The word clavija shares its roots with the English word 'clavicle', referring to the small bone in your shoulder. Both stem from the Latin 'clavicula', which literally means 'little key'.
Examples in context
- Tom intentó meter a la fuerza la clavija cuadrada en el agujero redondo.Tom tried to force the square peg into the round hole.This sentence demonstrates the use of the word clavija.Tatoeba #13507462 by emigonza, translation #8691001 by Hybrid
- La clavija de madera está rota.The wooden peg is broken.
- Necesitas una clavija para sujetar la cuerda.You need a peg to hold the rope.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are building a small shelf together.
- Lucía¿Dónde está la clavija para este estante?Where is the peg for this shelf?
- AlejandroLa clavija está sobre la mesa, Lucía.The peg is on the table, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro. ¿Es esta la correcta?Thanks, Alejandro. Is this the correct one?
- AlejandroSí, esa es la clavija que buscabas.Yes, that is the peg you were looking for.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peg” translations and entries clavija, tarugo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clavija, tarugo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
