Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| llave inglesa | /ʝabe inɡlesa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| llave | /ˈʝabe/ | feminine |
| llave de tuerca | /ʝabe de tweɾka/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
While llave can refer to a physical key, it is the standard word for a wrench in mechanical or construction contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word llave literally means key, but when used in the context of tools, it refers to a wrench.
Which one should you use?
Llave is a general term for a wrench. Llave de tuerca is also used for a wrench. For specific types, use llave fija for an open-end wrench and llave de estrella (literally 'star wrench') for a box-end wrench.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, people often use llave francesa to refer to a wrench. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, llave de tuerca is a common way to say wrench.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝabe inɡlesa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often assume llave only means 'key' and may fail to realize it is the primary word for a wrench in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Did you know?
- The word tuerca, meaning 'nut', likely evolved from the Latin word for 'female pig', porca. This linguistic shift happened through a comparison between the shape of a nut and a pig.
Examples in context
- Una llave es una herramienta habitual.A wrench is a commonly used tool.This sentence shows that llave is a common tool.Tatoeba #1614711 by wallebot, translation #682196 by Source_VOA
- ¿Podrías darme la llave inglesa de 12 mm, por favor?Could you give me the 12mm wrench please?This sentence demonstrates how to ask for a specific llave by size.Tatoeba #1270975 by marcelostockle, translation #1251012 by GeeZ
- Pásame la llave.Hand me the wrench.This sentence shows a request to pass a llave.Tatoeba #1614699 by wallebot, translation #50293 by CK
- ¿Puedes pasarme la llave inglesa, por favor?Could you pass me the wrench, please?
- Necesito una llave de tubo para ajustar esta tuerca.I need a wrench to tighten this nut.
- ¿Me das la llave francesa? Necesito apretar esta tuerca.Can you give me the wrench? I need to tighten this nut.
- ¿Alguien tiene una llave de tuercas? Este tornillo está suelto.Does anyone have a wrench? This screw is loose.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are working together to fix a bicycle in the garage.
- Lucía¿Dónde está la llave inglesa?Where is the wrench?
- MateoLa tengo yo aquí, Lucía.I have it here, Lucía.
- LucíaPerfecto, ayúdame con este tornillo.Perfect, help me with this screw.
- MateoClaro, usa la llave inglesa para apretarlo.Sure, use the wrench to tighten it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wrench” translations and entries llave inglesa, llave, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, llave, llave inglesa, tuerca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
