ніж
niž[nʲiʒ]masculine
The Ukrainian word for knife is ніж (niž).
ніж is a noun used to refer to a utensil or tool designed for cutting.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ніж is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
niž
Did you know?
- In Ukrainian folklore and superstitions, giving a ніж as a gift is often seen as a sign that the friendship will be severed. To avoid this bad omen, the receiver usually gives a small coin in return to 'buy' the gift.
- The word ніж is a homonym that also means 'than' when used for comparisons. In a sentence, the context determines whether you are talking about a cutting tool or comparing two things.
- In some traditional Ukrainian rural contexts, a ніж was not just a tool but a protective amulet. Certain types of knives were believed to ward off evil spirits or 'the evil eye'.
Examples in context
- У вас є ніж?Do you have a knife?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses a ніж.Tatoeba #7242024 by deniko, translation #3823220 by CK
- У мене є ніж.I've got a knife.This sentence is useful for stating that you possess a ніж.Tatoeba #8905367 by deniko, translation #2359593 by CK
- У Тома є ніж.Tom has a knife.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom possesses a ніж.Tatoeba #9535032 by rmdas, translation #9356139 by CK
- Будь ласка, подайте мені ніж.Please pass me the knife.
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Oleksandr and Iryna are preparing a salad in the kitchen.
- Олександр OleksandrІрино, де мій ніж?Irino, de miy nizh?Iryna, where is my knife?
- Ірина IrynaТвій ніж лежить на столі.Tviy nizh lezhyt na stoli.Your knife is lying on the table.
- Олександр OleksandrДякую, я його бачу.Diakuyu, ya yoho bachu.Thank you, I see it.
- Ірина IrynaБудь обережним з ним.Bud oberezhnyt z nym.Be careful with it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries ніж, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
