Spanish word

navaja

Pronunciation

IPA/naˈβaxa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpocket knife

Example

Tengo una navaja en la mochila.

I have a pocket knife in my backpack.

Illustration for navaja (pocket knife)

More examples

¿Tienes una navaja para cortar la cuerda?

Do you have a pocket knife for cutting the rope?

Core concept

Small folding utility knife.

Common phrases

  • navaja de bolsillo

    pocket knife

  • navaja suiza

    Swiss Army knife

  • navaja multiusos

    multipurpose knife

Similar words

cuchillo: Broad-bladed knife used for cooking or outdoor cutting around the home or campsite.
cúter: Box-cutter style knife with a straight blade for trimming cardboard, foam and tape.
multiherramienta: Multi-function pocket device combining tools like pliers, screwdrivers and small blades.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto portátil con una hoja afilada que se pliega en el mango y que se utiliza habitualmente para pequeños trabajos manuales y cortes puntuales.

Word origin

Ultimately from Latin novacula 'razor' via Romance relatives such as Portuguese navalha, navaja in Spanish refers specifically to a pocket-style folding blade.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often expect navaja to mean razor, so a shaving tool is typically called 'navaja de afeitar' in Spanish.

Other meanings

  • razornoun

Related words

  • navajitalittle pocketknifenoun
  • navajillasmall pocketknifenoun

Word lists with this word