How to pronounce claves
Say it like KLAH-vayz. Claves has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce claves. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KLAH
- vayz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Claves pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- vayzGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of claves
- American English uses 2 syllables and British English 1.
British respelling: KLAYVZ.
What does claves mean?
- A percussion instrument, consisting of two sticks or blocks, in which one is struck against the other in order to produce a sound.
- plural of clavis How to pronounce clavis
- plural of clave How to pronounce clave
Where does claves come from?
Borrowed from Latin American Spanish claves (plural), from Latin clāvis (“a key; a lever, bar”).
Questions about saying claves
How do you pronounce claves?
Say KLAH-vayz. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɑˌveɪz/. In British English it is /kleɪvz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in claves?
Claves has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLAH). Broken into parts: KLAH · vayz.
Is claves pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 2 syllables and British English 1. The British form is /kleɪvz/ (KLAYVZ).