Translation guide
A utility knife is a general-purpose cutting tool with a retractable, replaceable blade. In Japanese, the most common term is カッターナイフ, but other terms exist depending on context.
The most common type of utility knife with a snap-off or retractable blade, used for crafts, DIY, and opening boxes.
The standard term for a utility knife in Japan. It refers to a knife with a retractable, replaceable blade, often used for cutting paper, cardboard, or crafts.
カッターナイフで段ボールを切ってください。
Please cut the cardboard with a utility knife.
A shorter, more casual term for カッターナイフ. Often used in everyday conversation.
カッター持ってる？
Do you have a utility knife?
A knife with a fixed, often triangular blade, used for precision cutting in crafts or model-making.
Refers to a craft knife or precision knife, often with a fixed blade. Used in art and design contexts.
アートナイフで細かい作業をします。
I do detailed work with a craft knife.
A design knife, similar to a craft knife, used for precision cutting in graphic design or model-making.
デザインナイフでステンシルを作ります。
I make stencils with a design knife.
A sturdy utility knife used in construction or industrial settings, often with a folding or locking mechanism.
Literally 'all-purpose knife'. Can refer to a heavy-duty utility knife or multi-purpose knife, but less common than カッターナイフ.
現場では万能ナイフを使います。
We use a utility knife on the construction site.
Do not translate 'utility knife' literally as ユーティリティナイフ. This is not a standard term in Japanese and may cause confusion.