Korean Dictionary
How to say "Knife" in Korean
“Knife” in Korean is 칼 (pronounced "kal").
칼
kal
Usage & Context
Essential cutting tool in kitchen. Requires proper maintenance and technique. Sharp knife is safer than dull one.
Example Sentence
칼로 야채를 잘라요.
I cut vegetables with a knife.
How to use 칼 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Knife” is 칼, romanized as kal.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 칼.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '칼' (kal) rhymes with English words like 'pal' or 'gal.' The 'a' sound is similar to the 'a' in 'father' or 'car.'
More Example Sentences
Commenting on the sharpness of a knife.
이 칼은 정말 잘 들어요.
This knife cuts really well.
Giving a safety warning in the kitchen.
야채 썰 때 조심해서 칼 쓰세요.
Be careful when using a knife to cut vegetables.
Asking for a specific type of knife.
과일 깎는 칼 좀 찾아줄래?
Can you find me the fruit knife?
Cultural Context
Knives are fundamental in Korean cooking, where precise slicing and dicing are crucial for many dishes, from preparing kimchi ingredients to making thin slices of meat for bulgogi. While there are specialized knives, a good all-purpose kitchen knife (부엌칼, bueokkal) is a staple. Koreans often sharpen their knives regularly to maintain efficiency and safety.
Editorial note
We review entries like 칼 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
칼을 갈다
Sharpen a knife
칼질하다
To cut with a knife (the act of cutting)
칼 조심해!
Be careful with the knife!
Related Expressions
가위
gawi
Scissors (often used for cutting food at the table)
도마
doma
Cutting board
칼날
kallal
Knife blade
식칼
sik-kal
Kitchen knife
More Cooking Words
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