llave means key; keycard — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.
📅 Published: September 11, 2025
llave
noun • /[YAH-beh]/
key; keycard
Example:
Perdí la llave de la habitación doscientos.
I lost the key to room two hundred.
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🧠 What does llave mean?
The Spanish word "llave" primarily means "key," as in the key to a door, car, or box. It can also refer to a "keycard" used in hotels. Understanding the context is important for accurate interpretation.
📚 Extra examples
- ¿Tienes la llave del coche?
Do you have the car key? - Perdí la llave de mi habitación de hotel.
I lost my hotel room key. - Necesito una llave nueva para la maleta.
I need a new key for the suitcase. - Usa la llave para abrir la puerta.
Use the key to open the door. - Esta llave no funciona.
This key doesn't work.
❓ FAQ
How do you say 'key; keycard' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'key' and 'keycard' is "llave."
How do you pronounce 'llave' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'YAH-vay,' with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'llave' in a sentence?
Here are a few examples: "¿Dónde está la llave?" (Where is the key?), "Necesito la llave del apartamento." (I need the apartment key.)
What is the English translation of 'llave'?
The English translation of 'llave' is 'key' or 'keycard.'
Does 'llave' change for gender or number?
No, "llave" remains the same whether you are talking about one key or many. To indicate a plural, you use "las llaves."
Is 'llave' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "llave" is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Does 'llave' have slang or double meanings?
While generally straightforward, "llave" can sometimes be used figuratively to mean 'the key' to something, like a solution or secret: "La llave del éxito es el trabajo duro." (The key to success is hard work).
Is 'llave' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of "llave" are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.
🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "llave"
Synonyms: clave
💡 Did You Know?
The word "llave" also has a less common meaning of "faucet" or "tap" in some Latin American countries.
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