ナイフ

ないふ
noun
knife
1. knife
A cutting tool with a blade, used for eating or cutting. From English 'knife.'
ナイフフォーク使(つか)います
I use a knife and fork.
Please cut the meat with a knife.
This knife cuts well.

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()る: to cut with a knife
  • バターナイフ: butter knife
  • ステーキナイフ: steak knife

USAGE NOTE:
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 (はし) (chopsticks).