칼
kal[kʰa̠ɭ]
The English word knife is translated into Korean as 칼 (kal) or 나이프.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 칼 | kal | [kʰa̠ɭ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 나이프 | naipeu | [na̠ipʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word refers to a utensil or tool designed for cutting. While 칼 is the standard, native term used for all types of cutting tools, 나이프 is a loanword from English used in specific contexts like dining or more modern settings.
Which one should you use?
칼 is the native Korean word and is used for all types of cutting tools, from kitchen knives to utility knives. 나이프 is a loanword often used in specific contexts like dining (e.g., steak knives) or in more modern, stylized settings. For even more specificity, a kitchen knife is often called 식칼.
How do you pronounce it?
kal
Did you know?
- In Korean slang, the expression 칼같이 meaning 'like a knife' is used to describe someone who is incredibly punctual or precise.
- In traditional Korean culture, a 칼 is often seen as a symbol of power and authority, appearing in shamanistic rituals to cut away bad luck.
- The native Korean word 칼 may share an ancient root with the Japanese verb karu, which means 'to mow' or 'to cut'.
Examples in context
- 밧줄을 자르기 위한 칼이 필요하다.I need a knife to cut the rope.This sentence shows the use of 칼 for a tool needed to cut rope.Tatoeba #3680991 by Eunhee, translation #13897743 by Lumi
- 그는 칼로 어머니를 공격한 살인 미수 혐의로 유죄 판결을 받았다.He was found guilty of attempted murder for attacking his mother with a knife.This sentence uses 칼 in a legal context regarding an attack.Tatoeba #11107065 by intertime, translation #398104 by blay_paul
- 네 나이프좀 빌려줄래?Will you lend me your knife?This sentence demonstrates the use of the loanword 나이프 in a request.Tatoeba #8358265 by Eunhee, translation #36537 by CM
- 칼 좀 빌려 줄래?Can you lend me a knife?
- 칼을 어디에 두었어?Where did you put the knife?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In the kitchen, preparing for a meal.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨, 새 칼이 필요해요.Hyeonu ssi, sae kal-i piryo-haeyo.Hyeonu, I need a new knife.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 칼은 좀 무딘가요?I kal-eun jom mudin-gayo?Is this knife a bit dull?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 이 칼로 고기를 썰기 힘들어요.Ne, i kal-lo gogi-reul sseolgi himdeureoyo.Yes, it is hard to cut meat with this knife.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 제가 좋은 칼을 사 올게요.Geureom jega joeun kal-eul sa olgeyo.Then I will go buy a good knife.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries 칼, 나이프, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나이프, 칼, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
