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.
スイスアーミーナイフを持っていますか？
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.
彼は本当に何でもできる人だ。
He's a real Swiss Army knife of a person.
Literally 'ten-virtue knife', a Japanese term for a multi-tool pocketknife. Less common than the loanword.
あの十徳ナイフは便利だ。
That multi-tool knife is handy.
Means 'all-purpose' or 'versatile'. Can be used for people or tools.
このアプリは万能だ。
This app is a Swiss Army knife.
Means 'multi-functional'. Often used for devices or software.
このツールは多機能で便利だ。
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.
私は器用貧乏で、何でも少しはできるけど、専門はない。
I'm a Swiss Army knife; I can do a bit of everything, but I have no specialty.