cúter
/kuteɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "box cutters" is translated into Spanish as cúter.
The term cúter refers to the handheld tool used for cutting cardboard or other materials. It is a masculine noun and is used with the article el (el cúter). While cúter is used to name the tool generally or to refer to a single unit, it is distinct from bisturí, which refers specifically to a surgical scalpel.
Which one should you use?
You may use the formal phrase cuchillas para abrir cajas (blades for opening boxes) to describe the tool more descriptively.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word cutter is also commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the loanword cúter is cúters.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuteɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word estilete describes both a box cutter and a thin, slender dagger.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear people call them estilete instead of using the English loanword cúter.
- While cúter describes the tool, the word cuchilla refers specifically to the replaceable metal blade itself.
Examples in context
- Por favor, proporcione a los empleados cortadores de cajas adecuados.Please provide the employees with proper box cutters.
- Ten cuidado con el cúter.Be careful with the box cutter.
- Necesito un cúter para abrir esta caja.I need a box cutter to open this box.
- Ten cuidado con ese cúter, está muy afilado.Be careful with that box cutter, it is very sharp.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are in a warehouse unpacking supplies.
- Mateo¿Tienes un cúter para estas cajas?Do you have a box cutter for these boxes?
- ElenaSí, lo tengo en mi mochila.Yes, I have it in my backpack.
- MateoGracias, Elena. Pásamelo, por favor.Thanks, Elena. Pass it to me, please.
- ElenaAquí tienes, pero ten mucho cuidado.Here you go, but be very careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
