navaja
/nah-VAH-hah/
pocket knife
The word navaja can refer to a 'pocket knife'.
navaja(noun)
pocket knife
?small, folding knife
,folding knife
?general term for a knife that closes
clasp knife
?older term for a folding knife
📝 In Action
Perdí mi navaja suiza en el bosque.
A2I lost my Swiss Army knife in the forest.
Ten cuidado, la navaja está muy afilada.
B1Be careful, the folding knife is very sharp.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'navaja' is feminine, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives: 'la navaja afilada' (the sharp knife).
⭐ Usage Tips
Tool vs. Kitchen
Use 'navaja' only for folding knives or razors. For a kitchen knife or steak knife, use the general term 'cuchillo'.
In a barbershop context, navaja means 'straight razor'.
navaja(noun)
straight razor
?traditional, non-disposable razor used in barbershops
cutthroat razor
?informal term for a straight razor
📝 In Action
El barbero usó una navaja para perfilar mi barba.
B1The barber used a straight razor to outline my beard.
Aprendió a afilar la navaja con una piedra especial.
B2He learned to sharpen the razor with a special stone.
The term navaja is also used for the edible shellfish known as a 'razor clam'.
navaja(noun)
razor clam
?a type of long, edible shellfish
jackknife clam
?alternative name for the shellfish
📝 In Action
Pedimos una ración de navajas a la plancha en el restaurante.
B2We ordered a serving of grilled razor clams at the restaurant.
Las navajas viven enterradas en la arena de la playa.
C1Razor clams live buried in the beach sand.
💡 Grammar Points
Why the Name?
This shellfish is called 'navaja' because its long, narrow shell looks exactly like the handle of a folding knife.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: navaja
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'navaja' to refer to food?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'navaja' and 'cuchillo'?
A 'cuchillo' is the general word for 'knife' (like a kitchen knife or a butter knife). A 'navaja' is specifically a folding knife, or a straight razor, designed to be carried or used in a way that allows it to be closed safely.
Is 'navaja suiza' a common phrase?
Yes, 'navaja suiza' (Swiss knife) is the standard and very common term for a Swiss Army knife or any multi-tool folding knife.