Clé vs. clef
The French words clé and clef both translate to key, as in a tool used to open locks. Their usage and interchangeability can be a point of curiosity for those learning the language.
Clé
A1A modern French term for key, widely used in contemporary language.
J'ai perdu ma clé de maison.
(I have lost my house key.)
Tu as la clé de la voiture ?
(Do you have the car key?)
La clé USB est sur le bureau.
(The USB key is on the desk.)
Clef
B1An older, traditional form of clé, still recognized but less common in everyday usage. It is often found in literary or formal contexts.
La clef du mystère reste introuvable.
(The key to the mystery remains unfound.)
Il m'a donné une vieille clef rouillée.
(He gave me an old rusty key.)
La clef de sol est un symbole musical.
(The treble clef is a musical symbol.)
Summary
Clé and clef are two spellings for the word meaning key in French, with clé being the more modern and commonly used variation. Both terms are understandable and correct, although clef tends to appear more often in older texts or formal writings.