Translation guide
The English word 'knife' refers to a cutting tool with a blade. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ナイフ, but there are also traditional Japanese knives like 包丁 (used for cooking) and 小刀 (a small knife or pocketknife). The choice depends on context: Western-style table knives and general knives are ナイフ, kitchen knives are 包丁, and small utility knives are 小刀.
A general-purpose knife, especially a Western-style table knife or a knife used for cutting food at the table, or a knife as a tool or weapon.
The most common word for a Western-style knife. Used for table knives, pocket knives, hunting knives, etc. Not typically used for traditional Japanese kitchen knives.
テーブルにナイフとフォークを置いてください。
Please put a knife and fork on the table.
彼はポケットからナイフを取り出した。
He took a knife out of his pocket.
A knife used for cooking, especially a traditional Japanese kitchen knife.
The standard word for a kitchen knife, especially a Japanese-style one. Can also refer to Western-style chef's knives in a kitchen context.
この包丁はよく切れる。
This kitchen knife cuts well.
新しい包丁を買いたい。
I want to buy a new kitchen knife.
A small knife, often foldable, used for whittling, crafts, or as a tool.
Literally 'small sword', this refers to a small knife, pocketknife, or utility knife. Often used for wood carving or crafts.
小刀で鉛筆を削る。
Sharpen a pencil with a small knife.
A traditional Japanese folding pocketknife, originally from the Higo region. Simple friction folder, no lock.
A knife used for stabbing or as a weapon.
Also used for a knife as a weapon. Context makes it clear.
犯人はナイフで刺した。
The criminal stabbed with a knife.
A traditional Japanese short sword or dagger, often used in martial arts or historical contexts.
ナイフ is a Western-style knife, used at the table or as a tool. 包丁 is specifically a kitchen knife, especially Japanese-style. If you're cooking, use 包丁. If you're setting the table, use ナイフ.
包丁で野菜を切る。
Cut vegetables with a kitchen knife.
ナイフでステーキを切る。
Cut steak with a knife.
A traditional Japanese knife for filleting fish. Thick, sturdy blade.
魚をさばくときは出刃包丁を使います。
When filleting fish, I use a deba knife.
A long, thin knife specifically for slicing sashimi.
刺身包丁でマグロを切る。
Cut the tuna with a sashimi knife.
祖父の形見の肥後守を持っている。
I have my grandfather's old Higonokami knife.
侍は短刀を帯びていた。
The samurai carried a short sword.