Translation guide
A cutting tool is any implement used to cut materials. In Japanese, the most common general term is 刃物 (hamono), but specific tools have their own names. This guide covers general and specific terms, from everyday knives to industrial cutters.
The speaker wants to refer to a cutting tool in general, without specifying the type.
The most common general word for any bladed tool or weapon. Covers knives, scissors, chisels, etc.
刃物には気をつけてください。
Please be careful with cutting tools.
A technical term for cutting tools used in machining or manufacturing, like lathe tools or milling cutters.
この工場では様々な切削工具を使っています。
This factory uses various cutting tools.
The speaker means a knife, typically for cooking or general utility.
Specifically a kitchen knife. The standard term for cooking knives.
新しい包丁を買いました。
I bought a new kitchen knife.
Loanword from English. Used for Western-style knives, pocket knives, or as a general term in some contexts.
A small knife or utility knife, often used in crafts or as a pocket knife.
The speaker means a cutting tool with two blades pivoted together.
General word for scissors or shears. Can be used for paper, cloth, gardening, etc.
はさみで紙を切ってください。
Please cut the paper with scissors.
The speaker means a toothed cutting tool for wood or metal.
Standard word for a saw. Often used in woodworking.
のこぎりで板を切る。
Cut a board with a saw.
The speaker means a cutting tool with a sharp edge at the end of a metal blade, used for wood or stone.
The speaker means a small retractable blade tool for cutting paper, cardboard, etc.
Commonly used for a utility knife or box cutter. Often has a snap-off blade.
カッターでダンボールを切る。
Cut cardboard with a box cutter.
The speaker means a cutting tool used in machining or metalworking.
A cutting tool used in a lathe. From German 'Meißel' or Dutch 'beitel'.
旋盤にバイトを取り付ける。
Attach a cutting tool to the lathe.
A milling cutter. Often used in the context of milling machines.
I take a knife to camp.
小刀で鉛筆を削る。
Sharpen a pencil with a small knife.
A slightly more specific term for a utility knife, literally 'cutter knife'.
カッターナイフの刃を交換する。
Replace the blade of the utility knife.
フライスで溝を加工する。
Machine a groove with a milling cutter.