ナイフ

ナイフ is from English "knife" and primarily refers to table knives used for eating Western food.

Types of knives in japanese

• ナイフ: table knife, eating utensil
• 包丁(ほうちょう): kitchen knife (cooking)
• ナイフ/カッター: utility knife, box cutter
• 刃物(はもの): bladed tool (general term)

Common expressions

• ナイフとフォーク: knife and fork (Western dining set)
• ナイフで切(き)る: to cut with a knife
• バターナイフ: butter knife
• ステーキナイフ: steak knife

Usage

When dining on Western food in Japan, ナイフとフォーク (knife and fork) are used, while traditional Japanese food uses 箸(はし) (chopsticks).