Puñal (en. Dagger)

/puˈnal/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Cutting instrument, typically elongated and pointed in shape.
The police found a dagger at the crime scene.
El policía encontró un puñal en la escena del crimen.
Lethal weapon used in hand-to-hand combat.
The warrior wielded a dagger skillfully.
El guerrero empuñaba un puñal con destreza.
Symbol of betrayal or deception in some literary expressions.
His figurative dagger hurt me deeply with his words.
Su puñal figurado me hirió profundamente con sus palabras.

Etymology

It comes from the Latin 'punctialis', which refers to piercing or stabbing.

Common Phrases and Expressions

dagger in the back
Betrayal or deception by someone close.
puñal en la espalda
draw the dagger
To act with hostility or to cause intentional harm.
sacar el puñal
with a sharp dagger
With the intention of causing harm, in an aggressive manner.
con puñal afilado

Related Words

dagger
A bladed weapon with similar characteristics to the dagger, but generally longer.
daga
knife
Cutting utensil, primarily used in the kitchen.
cuchillo
bladed weapon
A category that includes items such as daggers, knives, and swords.
arma blanca

Slang Meanings

Betrayal
His comments were a dagger that left me stunned.
Sus comentarios fueron un puñal que me dejó sorprendido.
Theft or assault
They mugged him with a dagger in the alley.
Lo asaltaron con un puñal en el callejón.