Usage Note
Clé (also spelled clef in older or musical contexts) means both a physical key and a figurative key or clue to solving something. Clé de voûte ('keystone') and mot-clé ('keyword') are common compounds. In music, clef de sol is the treble clef, and clé de fa is the bass clef.
Examples
"J'ai oublié ma clé dans la voiture."
Natural Translation
I forgot my key in the car.
Literal Translation
I-have forgotten my key in the car
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