clavar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈkla.βaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To nail
• To stick
• To pierce
• To fix
• To score (in colloquial usage)

Meaning and Usage

The verb clavar primarily means "to nail" or "to drive into," referring to the action of putting a nail into something. It can also mean to stick or pierce an object with a pointed item. Its usage extends into figurative expressions as well, such as scoring or achieving something, particularly in a colloquial context.

Frequency of Use: The term is commonly used, both in oral speech and in written contexts, with a slightly higher frequency in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

1. Clavar un clavo en la pared es fácil.

2. To nail a nail into the wall is easy.

3. El médico tuvo que clavar una aguja para poner la inyección.

4. The doctor had to pierce with a needle to give the injection.

5. Ella logró clavar el examen con una gran calificación.

6. She managed to score on the exam with a great grade.

Idiomatic Expressions

Clavar appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, showing its versatility in different contexts.

1. Clavar algo en la memoria
2. Translation: To nail something in memory.

3. Example: Necesito clavar esta información en la memoria para el examen.

   • I need to nail this information in my memory for the exam.

4. Clavar el ojo en algo

5. Translation: To stick one's eye on something.

6. Example: Siempre clavan el ojo en mis proyectos.

   • They always stick their eye on my projects.

7. Clavar la puñalada

8. Translation: To stab someone (figuratively, often referring to betrayal).

9. Example: Me clavaron la puñalada cuando menos lo esperaba.

   • They stabbed me in the back when I least expected it.

10. No clavar los puntos

11. Translation: Not to hit the points (to miss the mark).
12. Example: Si no clavas los puntos, podrías perder la oportunidad.
    • If you don't hit the points, you might lose the opportunity.

Etymology

The verb clavar comes from the Latin clavare, which is derived from clavis, meaning "key," which metaphorically implies "to secure" or "to bind." The evolution of this word reflects the physical action of securing or affixing an object using a pointed implement.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Fijar (to fix) - Aclavar (to pin down) - Pinchar (to stick/ pierce)

Antonyms: - Desclavar (to unfasten/ to pull out) - Retirar (to remove)