1A kitchen knife used for cutting ingredients when cooking; comes in various types such as the santoku or deba knife depending on use.
まな板の上で包丁を使って玉ねぎを切った。
I used a kitchen knife to cut the onion on the cutting board.
この包丁はよく切れるので、料理が楽になる。
This kitchen knife cuts really well, so it makes cooking easier.
包丁は使ったらすぐに洗って、水気をふき取ってください。
Please wash the knife right after use and wipe off the moisture.
子供に包丁を持たせるときは、必ず大人がそばで見ている。
Whenever a child handles a kitchen knife, an adult always watches close by.
2An archaic term (from an old Chinese anecdote) for the art of cooking, or cooking itself — distinct from the modern meaning of "kitchen knife."
かつては庖丁の道を極めることが料理人の誉れとされた。
In the past, mastering the way of cooking was considered an honor for a chef.