clé/kle/
noun · A2 · Frequency 666
nounfeminine
Meanings
key (for opening locks)
Also used for the key as a heraldic device.
key point; essential factor
Refers to an element that is essential or decisive.
wrench; spanner
Used for a tool that turns nuts and bolts.
USB flash drive
Often a shortened form of clé USB.
cryptographic key
Used in cryptography or computer security.
musical clef
Used in musical notation.
Examples
J'ai laissé ma clé sur la table de l'entrée.
I left my key on the table in the entrance hall.
Une communication claire est la clé d'une bonne collaboration.
Clear communication is the key to good collaboration.
Le plombier a choisi une clé à molette pour desserrer l'écrou.
The plumber chose an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut.
Elle a branché la clé USB avant de copier les photos.
She plugged in the USB flash drive before copying the photos.
Collocations
- clé de la portedoor key
- clé du succèskey to success
- clé USBUSB flash drive
Common mistakes
La clé à ce problème est la patience.
La clé de ce problème est la patience.
When clé means the key or essential factor in solving a problem, the usual construction is clé de, not clé à.
Related words
nounfeminine
Meanings
key (for opening locks)
Also used for the key as a heraldic device.
key point; essential factor
Refers to an element that is essential or decisive.
wrench; spanner
Used for a tool that turns nuts and bolts.
USB flash drive
Often a shortened form of clé USB.
cryptographic key
Used in cryptography or computer security.
musical clef
Used in musical notation.
Examples
J'ai laissé mes clés sur la table de l'entrée.
I left my keys on the table by the entrance.
Les clés de ce dossier sont la transparence et la régularité.
The key points in this matter are transparency and consistency.
Le mécanicien a choisi des clés adaptées pour resserrer les écrous.
The mechanic chose suitable wrenches to tighten the nuts.
Elle a sauvegardé ses photos sur deux clés USB.
She backed up her photos on two USB flash drives.
Collocations
- clé de la portedoor key
- clé du succèskey to success
- clé USBUSB flash drive
Common mistakes
La clé à ce problème est la patience.
La clé de ce problème est la patience.
When clé means the key or essential factor in solving a problem, the usual construction is clé de, not clé à.
Related words
nounfeminine
Meanings
key (for opening locks)
Also used for the key as a heraldic device.
key point; essential factor
Refers to an element that is essential or decisive.
wrench; spanner
Used for a tool that turns nuts and bolts.
USB flash drive
Often a shortened form of clé USB.
cryptographic key
Used in cryptography or computer security.
musical clef
Used in musical notation.
Examples
J'ai laissé la clef de la cave sur la table.
I left the key to the cellar on the table.
La confiance est la clef d'une collaboration durable.
Trust is the key to lasting collaboration.
Le mécanicien a choisi une clef à molette pour desserrer l'écrou.
The mechanic chose an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut.
Elle a enregistré les photos sur une clef USB.
She saved the photos on a USB flash drive.
Collocations
- clé de la portedoor key
- clé du succèskey to success
- clé USBUSB flash drive
Common mistakes
La clé à ce problème est la patience.
La clé de ce problème est la patience.
When clé means the key or essential factor in solving a problem, the usual construction is clé de, not clé à.