navaja
“navaja” means “pocket knife” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
pocket knife, folding knife
Also: clasp 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.
straight razor
Also: cutthroat 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.
razor clam
Also: jackknife clam
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "navaja" in Spanish:
clasp knife→cutthroat razor→folding knife→jackknife clam→pocket knife→razor clam→straight razor→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: navaja
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'navaja' to refer to food?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Arabic *nabbāš*, meaning 'one who digs or searches.' It likely entered Spanish through the term for a tool used for cutting and digging, eventually specializing in the folding knife and razor.
First recorded: 13th century (approximately)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.