How to Say "Pendrive" in French

clé USB

The English phrase 'pendrive' is translated into French as clé USB.

The term refers to a small portable device used for storing and transferring digital data.

What does it mean word for word?

The term clé USB literally translates to 'USB key'.

In Québec, Canada, it is common to use Clef USB or Clé USB to refer to a pendrive.

The noun clé is feminine, so you use the feminine article une when referring to a single pendrive (e.g., une clé USB).

English speakers may be tempted to use the word 'pendrive' in French, but clé USB is the standard term used in France and other Francophone regions.

The spelling clef is still seen in certain musical contexts in French, such as 'clef de sol', even though clé is the standard spelling for a digital 'key'.
While a digital 'key' opens no doors, the word clé stems from the Latin clāvis, which originally referred to physical keys used for locks.
If you ask for a 'clé' in a hardware store in France without specifying 'USB', the clerk will likely point you toward metal tools for doors rather than electronics.

L'employé a transféré les fichiers sur une clé USB pour les remettre à son superviseur.
The employee transferred the files onto a pendrive to submit them to their supervisor.
Tu peux me passer ta clef USB ? J'ai besoin de copier quelques photos.
Can you pass me your pendrive? I need to copy some photos.
J'ai oublié ma clé USB à la maison.
I forgot my pendrive at home.
Est-ce que tu as une clé USB ?
Do you have a pendrive?
Copie les photos sur la clé USB.
Copy the photos onto the pendrive.

Nathan and Léa are working together on a project at a library.

Nathan

Léa, tu peux me prêter ta clé USB ?
Léa, can you lend me your pendrive?
Léa

Bien sûr, la voici.
Of course, here it is.
Nathan

Merci beaucoup, c'est très gentil.
Thank you very much, that's very kind.
Léa

De rien, Nathan.
You're welcome, Nathan.

Sources

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