Daga vs. pugnale vs. stiletto
The Italian language has several words for 'dagger', each with subtle differences in meaning and usage. The main terms are 'daga', 'pugnale', and 'stiletto'.
Daga
'Daga' refers to a large, double-edged dagger, often used as a weapon in medieval times.
Il cavaliere portava una 'daga' al fianco.
(The knight carried a dagger at his side.)
La 'daga' era un'arma comune tra i soldati medievali.
(The dagger was a common weapon among medieval soldiers.)
Pugnale
'Pugnale' is a general term for a dagger or short knife, used as both a weapon and a tool.
Il detective trovò un 'pugnale' sulla scena del crimine.
(The detective found a dagger at the crime scene.)
I cacciatori usano spesso un 'pugnale' per scuoiare la preda.
(Hunters often use a dagger to skin their prey.)
Stiletto
'Stiletto' describes a slender dagger with a long, narrow blade, primarily designed for stabbing.
L'assassino usò uno 'stiletto' per il suo crimine.
(The assassin used a stiletto for his crime.)
Lo 'stiletto' era nascosto nel manico dell'ombrello.
(The stiletto was hidden in the umbrella handle.)
Summary
While 'daga', 'pugnale', and 'stiletto' all refer to daggers, they differ in size, shape, and purpose. 'Daga' is typically larger and medieval, 'pugnale' is a general term for various daggers, and 'stiletto' specifically refers to a thin, pointed dagger designed for stabbing.