Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Nail in Spanish: Clavo
Clavo · noun · KLAH-voh
The English word 'nail' has two distinct Spanish translations: 'clavo' for the metal fastener hammered into surfaces, and 'uña' for the hard covering on fingers and toes. Context makes the intended meaning clear in both languages.
KLAH-voh
Necesito un clavo y un martillo para colgar este cuadro.
I need a nail and a hammer to hang this picture.
Nail in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for nail, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| clavo | nail | KLAH-voh | Default, widely understood |
| uña | nail | fingernail/toenail |
How Native Speakers Use Clavo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Hardware nail
El carpintero clavó tres clavos en la tabla de madera.
The carpenter drove three nails into the wooden board.
'Clavo' refers exclusively to the metal hardware fastener.
Fingernail
Se rompió una uña mientras abría la lata de conservas.
She broke a nail while opening the tin can.
'Uña' covers both fingernails and toenails in Spanish.
Nail salon context
Me voy a pintar las uñas de rojo para la fiesta del sábado.
I'm going to paint my nails red for Saturday's party.
Nail art and manicures always use 'uñas' in Spanish.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Clavo
Using 'clavo' for fingernail
Incorrect: Me corté los clavos de las manos.
Correct: Me corté las uñas de las manos.
'Clavo' only means the metal fastener — using it for fingernails creates a bizarre image of cutting metal pieces from your hands.
Confusing 'clavo' with 'clavar'
Incorrect: Dame un clavar para la pared.
Correct: Dame un clavo para la pared.
'Clavar' is the verb meaning 'to nail' or 'to drive in,' while 'clavo' is the noun — they share a root but serve different grammatical functions.
Lock in Nail Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Clavo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using clavo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Necesito un clavo y un martillo para colgar este cuadro. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Nail in Spanish
- How do I say 'nail polish' in Spanish?
- Nail polish is 'esmalte de uñas' in most of Latin America, while Spaniards often say 'pintauñas' as a casual single-word alternative. Some countries also use 'barniz de uñas' or 'cutex' (a brand name used generically in parts of South America).
- What about the verb 'to nail'?
- The verb is 'clavar,' used both literally (hammering a nail) and figuratively (nailing an exam, getting something exactly right). Spanish speakers say 'la clavaste' to mean 'you nailed it,' mirroring the English idiom surprisingly well.
- Is 'clavo' also used for the spice clove?
- Interestingly, the spice clove is called 'clavo de olor' in Spanish (literally 'scented nail'), because the dried flower buds resemble small nails in shape. In recipes, it's often shortened to just 'clavos,' so context determines whether someone means the hardware or the spice.