chiave inglese
/ˈkja.ve inˈɡle.ze/
The English phrase 'spanner' is translated into Italian as chiave inglese. Wiktionary also lists chiave and pappagallo.
Meaning: hand tool for adjusting nuts and bolts (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chiave inglese | /ˈkja.ve inˈɡle.ze/ | |
| chiave | /ˈkja.ve/ | feminine |
| pappagallo | /pap.paˈɡal.lo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a hand tool used for adjusting nuts and bolts. If you are referring specifically to a socket wrench rather than an open-ended or ring spanner, use chiave a bussola.
What does it mean word for word?
The term chiave inglese literally translates to 'English key'.
Which one should you use?
chiave inglese is the standard term. In contrast, pappagallo is a colloquial term used specifically for a large adjustable wrench (monkey wrench/water pump pliers style).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of chiave inglese is chiavi inglesi. chiave is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of chiave inglese is /ˈkja.ve inˈɡle.ze/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1 of 4.
Did you know?
- The term pappagallo for a wrench is thought to be onomatopoeic, originating from the Arabic word for parrot, 'babaḡāʔ'.
Examples in context
- Hai una chiave inglese a portata di mano? Devo aggiustare questa pompa.Do you have a spanner on hand? I need to fix this pump.
- Mi serve una chiave inglese per questo bullone.I need a spanner for this bolt.
- Hai una chiave inglese nella cassetta degli attrezzi?Do you have a spanner in the toolbox?
Example conversation
Chiara and Alessandro are fixing a bicycle in the garage.
- ChiaraAlessandro, dove hai messo la chiave inglese?Alessandro, where did you put the spanner?
- AlessandroÈ sul tavolo, accanto alla bici.It is on the table, next to the bike.
- ChiaraGrazie, ora posso stringere questo bullone.Thanks, now I can tighten this bolt.
- AlessandroOttimo, fammi aiutare con la chiave inglese.Great, let me help you with the spanner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spanner” translations and entries chiave inglese, chiave, pappagallo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chiave, chiave inglese, inglese, pappagallo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
