daga
/ˈdaɡa/feminine
The English word dagger is translated into Spanish as daga. Wiktionary also lists puñal and serranil.
Meaning: a stabbing weapon (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| daga | /ˈdaɡa/ | feminine |
| puñal | /puˈɲal/ | masculine |
| serranil | /seranil/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
In Spanish, a dagger is referred to using terms for a stabbing weapon.
Which one should you use?
While both mean dagger, daga is the more general term for a double-edged or slender stabbing weapon, whereas puñal often implies a smaller, more concealable-looking knife or stiletto. You can also use serranil.
How does it change in a sentence?
daga is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by feminine articles like la or una. The plural form is dagas. puñal is a masculine noun, so it must be preceded by masculine articles like el or un. The plural form is puñales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdaɡa/
Did you know?
- The term puñalada refers to a stab wound, but it is commonly used as a metaphor for a sudden betrayal or a 'backstab'.
- In Spanish literature and folklore, the puñal is often associated with 'crimes of passion' and clandestine betrayals rather than open battlefield combat.
- The word puñal is an etymological relative of the English word 'pugnacious' through their shared Latin root meaning 'fight'.
Examples in context
- El puñal le caló el corazón.The dagger penetrated his heart.This sentence illustrates the use of puñal.Tatoeba #2259304 by carlosalberto, translation #2259303 by _undertoad
- La daga es un arma antigua utilizada tanto en ceremonias como en combate.The dagger is an ancient weapon used both in ceremonies and combat.
- Pedro mostró su nuevo puñal a sus amigos durante la reunión.Pedro showed his new dagger to his friends during the gathering.
- La daga era de plata.The dagger was made of silver.
- Encontraron una daga en la caja.They found a dagger in the box.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A museum security guard and a visitor are looking at an exhibit.
- ElenaEsa daga es muy antigua.That dagger is very old.
- AlejandroEs impresionante ver la daga real.It is impressive to see the real dagger.
- ElenaEl metal de la daga brilla.The metal of the dagger shines.
- AlejandroEs una daga hermosa, Elena.It is a beautiful dagger, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dagger” translations and entries daga, puñal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries puñal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
