hoja
/ˈoxa/feminine
The English word "blade" can be translated into Spanish as hoja or cuchilla.
Meaning: typically sharp-edged working end of a knife or other cutting tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hoja | /ˈoxa/ | feminine |
| cuchilla | /kuˈt͡ʃiʝa/ | feminine |
Both words refer to the sharp-edged working end of a tool. hoja can refer to the blade of a knife or sword, or the blade of grass or leaves. cuchilla is often used when talking about the blade of a knife or razor.
Which one should you use?
While both can mean blade, hoja can also mean a leaf. For specific tools, you can use the phrase hoja de sierra for a saw blade.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both hoja and cuchilla are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoxa/
Did you know?
- In some technical contexts, cuchilla is used to describe an electrical knife switch used to disconnect power circuits.
- The word hoja is a linguistic trick where a plural Latin word for 'leaves', folia, was reinterpreted by Spanish speakers as a singular noun.
- The term hoja is used to describe the 'blade' of an oar or a paddle in Spanish, extending the meaning to any flat, propelling surface.
Examples in context
- La hoja estaba muy afilada.The blade was very sharp.This sentence is useful for describing how sharp a hoja is.Tatoeba #2267968 by cueyayotl, translation #2267967 by _undertoad
- La hoja de mi cuchillo es muy afilada.The blade of my knife is very keen.This sentence describes the blade of a knife using hoja.Tatoeba #5146728 by albrusgher, translation #2833931 by Miktsoanit
- El papel le cortó el dedo como si fuese una hoja de afeitar.The paper cut his finger as if it were a razor blade.This sentence uses the phrase hoja de afeitar to mean razor blade.Tatoeba #1609187 by hayastan, translation #5543182 by zvzuibqx
- Cuidado al manejar esa hoja afilada.Be careful when handling that sharp blade.
- Me han regalado un cuchillo con una hoja muy resistente.I've been given a knife with a highly resistant blade.
- Ten cuidado con esa cuchilla, está muy afilada.Be careful with that blade, it's very sharp.
- ¿Has cambiado la cuchilla de la afeitadora?Have you changed the blade of the razor?
- Utilicé la cuchilla de la cortadora para cortar papel.I used the blade of the paper cutter to cut paper.
- Desafilé el filo de mi cuchillo y ahora no corta bien.I dulled the blade edge of my knife, and now it doesn't cut well.
- El filo de esta espada es realmente afilado.The blade edge of this sword is really sharp.
- Ten cuidado al manipular el filo de esa navaja.Be careful when handling the blade edge of that razor.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a workshop, Daniel is showing Sofía a tool.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿es peligrosa esa hoja?Daniel, is that blade dangerous?
- DanielSí, Sofía, la hoja es muy filosa.Yes, Sofía, the blade is very sharp.
- SofíaDebes guardarla con cuidado.You should store it carefully.
- DanielLo haré, gracias por el aviso.I will, thanks for the warning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blade” translations and entries hoja, cuchilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuchilla, hoja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
