Generating sets of the free group $F_k$ on $k$ generators

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Is it true that the free group $F_k$ on $k<\infty$ generators requires at least $k$ elements to generate. I.e. does every set which generates $F_k$ have cardinality at least $k$?

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Yes. Sketch: any fewer than $k$ elements can't even generate the abelianization $\mathbb{Z}^k$.