Knave Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A knave is an old-fashioned word for a dishonest man or someone who cheats or plays tricks. In cards, 'knave' sometimes refers to the jack.

Usage & Nuances

'Knave' is archaic or literary in modern English, rarely used in conversation. Common in Shakespeare or historical fiction. In cards, 'knave' is an old term for 'jack'. Don't use it to insult someone in current English—sounds outdated.

• Spanish: bribón - villano - pícaro (arcaico)
• Portuguese (BR): patife - trapaceiro (arcaico)
• Portuguese (PT): patife - velhaco (arcaico)
• Chinese (Simplified): 恶棍 - 无赖 - 杰克（扑克牌）
• Chinese (Traditional): 惡棍 - 無賴 - 傑克（撲克牌）
• Hindi: धूर्त - दुष्ट (पुराना/साहित्यिक)
• Arabic: وغد - فاجر (قديم/أدبي)
• Bengali: ধূর্ত ব্যক্তি - ঠকবাজ - জুয়াডি (কার্ড খেলায়)
• Russian: плут - жулик - валет (в картах)
• Japanese: 悪党 - トリックスター - ジャック（トランプ）
• Vietnamese: kẻ gian - quân bồi (trong bài lá)
• Korean: 악당 - 사기꾼 - 잭(카드 용어)
• Turkish: hain - sahtekâr - vale (iskambilde)
• Urdu: بد کردار - دغاباز - جیک (تاش میں)
• Indonesian: kẻ lưu manh - kẻ lừa đảo - quân J (trong bài)

Example Sentences

The story tells of a knave who tricked the villagers.

basic

He acted the perfect knave at the party, lying to everyone.

natural

In Shakespeare's plays, you'll often meet a clever knave who stirs up trouble.

natural

The knave in the play was punished for his lies.

basic

In old card games, a knave means the jack.

basic

Don't trust that knave; he's up to no good.

natural