Penknife Meaning in English
word
ˈpɛnˌnaɪf
PEN-nyfe
pˈɛnnaɪf
PEN-nyfe
Definition
A small folding knife that you can carry in your pocket and use for cutting things. Originally, it was used for sharpening pens.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and practical; often called a "pocketknife" in modern English. Commonly used for small tasks like opening packages. Not considered a weapon, but sometimes restricted in certain places.
Spanish: navaja - cortaplumasPortuguese (BR): canivetePortuguese (PT): caniveteChinese (Simplified): 小刀 - 折叠刀Chinese (Traditional): 小刀 - 摺疊刀Hindi: जेब चाकूArabic: سكين جيبBengali: পকেট নাইফ - পেননাইফRussian: перочинный ножJapanese: ペンナイフVietnamese: dao gấp nhỏ - dao bấm nhỏKorean: 펜나이프 - 접이식 칼Turkish: çakı - cep bıçağıUrdu: قلمی چھری - جیب چھریIndonesian: pisau lipat kecil - pisau saku
Example Sentences
He always carries a penknife in his pocket.
basic
I used my penknife to open the box.
basic
The penknife has a red handle.
basic
My grandfather gave me his old penknife when I was young.
natural
Do you have a penknife? We need to cut this tag off.
natural
I've had this penknife for years—it's really useful for camping.
natural