Cuchillo vs. cuchilla
In Spanish, 'cuchillo' and 'cuchilla' are related terms but refer to different objects. Understanding their differences is important for proper usage.
Cuchillo
A 'cuchillo' is a knife, usually referring to a tool with a blade used for cutting or slicing food.
El chef usó un cuchillo para cortar las verduras.
(The chef used a knife to cut the vegetables.)
Necesito un buen cuchillo para el filete.
(I need a good knife for the steak.)
Compré un cuchillo nuevo para la cocina.
(I bought a new knife for the kitchen.)
Cuchilla
'Cuchilla' generally refers to a blade or razor blade. It can also mean a large cutting tool like a cleaver.
Usé una cuchilla para afeitarme.
(I used a razor blade to shave.)
El carnicero cortó la carne con una cuchilla afilada.
(The butcher cut the meat with a sharp cleaver.)
La cortadora de césped tiene una cuchilla que necesita ser afilada.
(The lawn mower has a blade that needs to be sharpened.)
Summary
'Cuchillo' refers to a knife, typically for culinary use, while 'cuchilla' means a blade or razor blade, and can also refer to larger cutting tools like cleavers.