Many people wonder how to say knife in Japanese . The short answer is Hōchō (包丁) , but behind this word there is a whole story that connects with samurai tradition and Japanese culinary culture.
How to write and pronounce knife in Japanese
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In Japanese it is called 包丁 ( Hōchō ).
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The pronunciation is “Joo-chó” with the “h” aspirated.
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Literally means “kitchen tool” and is used for all Japanese kitchen knives.
Difference between Hōchō and other Japanese words
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Hōchō (包丁) : kitchen knives.
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Katana (刀) : samurai sword.
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Nata (鉈) : Japanese outdoor machete.
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Tantō (短刀) : short dagger.
The symbolism of the word Hōchō
In Japan, a Hōchō isn't just a tool: it represents respect for ingredients and culinary tradition. Many chefs consider their knife an extension of their hand.
Conclusion
So the next time someone asks you how to say knife in Japanese, you know the answer is Hōchō (包丁) . And if you want to discover authentic Japanese hōchō , you can explore our collection of traditional Japanese knives here 👉 JAPANESE KNIVES
