Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Knife in Spanish
Cuchillo · noun · koo-CHEE-yoh
"Cuchillo" is the go-to Spanish word for knife and covers everything from a butter knife to a chef's knife. For specialized blades, Spanish offers "navaja" (folding or pocket knife), "puñal" (dagger), and "cuchilla" (large blade or razor). Compound terms like "cuchillo de cocina" (kitchen knife) and "cuchillo de pan" (bread knife) specify the type.
Pronounce "cuchillo" as koo-CHEE-yoh. The double "ll" is realized as a "y" sound in most dialects (yeísmo). Stress falls on the second syllable.
Pásame el cuchillo para cortar el pan.
Pass me the knife to cut the bread.
Knife in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for knife, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cuchillo | knife | koo-CHEE-yoh | Default, widely understood |
| navaja | knife | folding knife / pocket knife | |
| puñal | knife | dagger / stabbing knife | |
| cuchilla | knife | blade or large cutting knife (some regions) |
How Native Speakers Use Cuchillo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
In the kitchen
Necesito un cuchillo más afilado para filetear el pescado.
I need a sharper knife to fillet the fish.
"Afilado" means sharp; "desafilado" means dull. Both are common adjectives paired with "cuchillo."
Camping or outdoor context
Siempre llevo una navaja cuando voy de excursión.
I always carry a pocket knife when I go hiking.
"Navaja" specifically implies a folding blade, distinguishing it from a fixed-blade "cuchillo."
Setting the table
Pon el cuchillo a la derecha del plato.
Put the knife to the right of the plate.
Table-setting vocabulary pairs "cuchillo" with "tenedor" (fork) and "cuchara" (spoon).
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cuchillo
Confusing cuchillo and cuchara
Incorrect: Corta la carne con la cuchara.
Correct: Corta la carne con el cuchillo.
"Cuchara" means spoon, not knife. Despite the similar root, the two words refer to entirely different utensils.
Gender error
Incorrect: La cuchillo está en el cajón.
Correct: El cuchillo está en el cajón.
"Cuchillo" is masculine and always takes the article "el." The feminine form "cuchilla" exists but refers to a blade or razor, not a standard knife.
Lock in Knife Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Cuchillo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cuchillo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Pásame el cuchillo para cortar el pan. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Knife in Spanish
- What is the difference between "cuchillo" and "navaja"?
- "Cuchillo" is a general fixed-blade knife used in kitchens and at the table. "Navaja" refers specifically to a folding or pocket knife with a blade that folds into the handle.
- How do you say butter knife in Spanish?
- A butter knife is "cuchillo de mantequilla" or simply "cuchillo para untar" (spreading knife).
- Is "puñal" commonly used in everyday speech?
- "Puñal" is understood everywhere but it carries a dramatic or literary tone, evoking daggers and weaponry. In daily conversation, most people say "cuchillo" or "navaja" unless referring specifically to a dagger.