Translation guide
A multi-functional pocketknife with various tools, often used metaphorically for something versatile.
Referring to the actual pocketknife with multiple blades and tools.
The standard loanword for 'Swiss Army knife'. Widely understood.
Do you have a Swiss Army knife?
Describing someone or something that can do many different things well.
Means 'can do anything'. A natural way to describe a versatile person.
Literally 'ten-virtue knife', a Japanese term for a multi-tool pocketknife. Less common than the loanword.
That multi-tool knife is handy.
He's a real Swiss Army knife of a person.
Means 'all-purpose' or 'versatile'. Can be used for people or tools.
This app is a Swiss Army knife.
Means 'multi-functional'. Often used for devices or software.
This tool is a Swiss Army knife; it's multi-functional and handy.
A proverb meaning 'jack of all trades, master of none'. Can be used self-deprecatingly or to describe someone versatile but not specialized.
Has a slightly negative nuance of being mediocre at everything. Use carefully.
I'm a Swiss Army knife; I can do a bit of everything, but I have no specialty.