válvula
/ˈbalbula/feminine
The English word "valve" is translated into Spanish as válvula. Wiktionary also lists llave.
Meaning: device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| válvula | /ˈbalbula/ | feminine |
| llave | /ˈʝabe/ | feminine |
Both válvula and llave can be used to refer to a device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and some parts of Latin America, grifo can be used to refer to a faucet or a valve in a household context.
How does it change in a sentence?
válvula is a feminine noun. Therefore, when referring to the valve, you must use the feminine article la (la válvula) instead of the masculine el. The plural form of válvula is válvulas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbalbula/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word llave shares the same ancient roots as the English musical term 'clef', as both descend from the Latin 'clāvis' meaning 'key'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, saying cerrar la llave can mean both turning off a valve and locking a door, depending on the context of the room.
Examples in context
- Tom giró la válvula.Tom turned the valve.This sentence shows the action of turning the válvula.Tatoeba #10012175 by manufrutos, translation #7446698 by Hybrid
- Hay que cambiar esta válvula.This valve needs to be replaced.This sentence describes the need to replace a válvula.Tatoeba #10471923 by Seael, translation #10164936 by ddnktr
- La válvula principal está cerrada.The main valve is turned off.This sentence indicates that the main válvula is closed.Tatoeba #1364515 by Shishir, translation #1165797 by CK
- Por favor, asegúrese de cerrar la válvula correctamente.Please make sure to close the valve properly.
- La cirugía consistió en la reparación de una válvula cardiaca.The surgery involved the repair of a heart valve.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are inspecting a broken machine in a workshop.
- María¿Viste la fuga de agua?Did you see the water leak?
- MateoSí, es la válvula de presión.Yes, it is the pressure valve.
- MaríaNecesito arreglar esa válvula rápido.I need to fix that valve quickly.
- MateoYo te ayudo con la herramienta.I will help you with the tool.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “valve” translations and entries válvula, llave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llave, válvula, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
