French translation of knife is 
couteau

Meaning of "knife" in English

A knife is a tool or weapon with a handle and a blade that is typically used for cutting. It can be used in the kitchen for food preparation or in outdoor activities like camping. Knives come in various shapes and sizes, each suited for different tasks, from slicing bread to hunting. Some knives have folding blades for compact storage, while others are fixed for sturdier use. Aside from its practical uses, knives also hold cultural and historical significance in various societies.

Meaning of "couteau" in French

In French, "couteau" refers to a cutting tool or instrument consisting of a blade attached to a handle. It is predominantly used in cooking for preparing food, such as slicing vegetables or cutting meats. Like in English, "couteau" can also describe knives used in outdoor settings or as tools. French culture values craftsmanship in knife-making, with regions like Thiers being renowned for their high-quality blades. The term can also be extended to include types of knives such as folding knives and pocket knives.

Pronunciation of "knife" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /naɪf/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "knife" is fairly consistent across regions. However, accents might affect the clarity of the "n" sound, with some regional dialects softening the vowel. Typically, the "k" is silent.

Pronunciation of "couteau" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ku.to/

Pronunciation Variations: "Couteau" is pronounced consistently across French-speaking regions, with slight variations in accent. The “ou” sound might be slightly elongated in some dialects.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. He sharpened the knife on the stone. (Il a aiguisé le couteau sur la pierre.)
2. She carefully placed the knife on the table. (Elle a soigneusement posé le couteau sur la table.)
3. The chef's knife skills were impressive. (Les compétences du chef avec le couteau étaient impressionnantes.)
4. He bought a new knife for the camping trip. (Il a acheté un nouveau couteau pour le voyage de camping.)
5. The artist carved the wood with a small knife. (L'artiste a sculpté le bois avec un petit couteau.)
6. The knife slipped from her hand. (Le couteau a glissé de sa main.)
7. He used a knife to open the package. (Il a utilisé un couteau pour ouvrir le paquet.)
8. The bread knife is different from the steak knife. (Le couteau à pain est différent du couteau à steak.)
9. The detective found a knife at the crime scene. (Le détective a trouvé un couteau sur le lieu du crime.)
10. She handed him a knife to cut the ropes. (Elle lui a tendu un couteau pour couper les cordes.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "knife" in English

Synonyms: blade, cutter, dagger, machete, scalpel, shank, slicer, sword, bayonet, dirk.

Antonyms: shield, guard.

Similar Words: cleaver, shears, scissors, axe, chisel, saw, sword, machete, dagger, scalpel.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "couteau" in French

Synonyms: lame, cran, poignard, bistouri, sabre, dague, canif, épée, tranchet, feuille.

Antonyms: bouclier, protection.

Similar Words: sabre, épée, machette, cisaille, ciseau, hache, tronçonneuse, poignard, bistouri, scalpel.

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