how to pronounce clef

/kle/

audio example by a male speaker

audio example by a female speaker

the above transcription of clef is a detailed (narrow) transcription according to the rules of the International Phonetic Association; you can find a description of each symbol by clicking the phoneme buttons in the secction below.

clef is pronounced in one syllable

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1. example pitch curve for pronunciation of clef

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video examples of clef pronunciation

An example use of clef in a speech by a native speaker of standard french:

“… du cinéma la clef au lieu de culture et …”

meanings of clef

noun:

Key; the device as shown on a coat of arms.
Clef.
Alternative spelling of clé (“key").

clef frequency in french - C1 level of CEFR

the word clef occurs in french on average 10.6 times per one million words; this frequency warrants it to be in the study list for C1 level of language mastery according to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference.