Pronunciation: [sˈantə͡ʊkˌuː] (IPA) 
The word "santoku" is a Japanese term used for a specific type of kitchen knife. It is pronounced as "sahn-TOH-koo" in IPA phonetic transcription. The "s" is pronounced as "s," while "a" and "o" are short vowels. The "n" sound is nasal, and "t" and "k" are pronounced with hard stops. This word is often spelled with an "s" instead of a "c" in English, likely due to transliteration differences from Japanese to the English alphabet.
Santoku is a noun that refers to a type of multi-purpose kitchen knife originating from Japan. Derived from the Japanese words "San" (meaning "three") and "toku" (meaning "virtues" or "uses"), "santoku" literally translates to "three uses" or "three virtues." The knife is typically characterized by its medium-to-short length with a blade that is typically around 5-8 inches long.
The santoku knife is known for its versatility and is designed to excel in three key cutting tasks: slicing, dicing, and chopping. Its unique blade shape incorporates a flat edge near the tip and a wide, curved belly that tapers to a sharp point, allowing for a rocking motion during use. The flat edge makes it suitable for precise cutting and slicing techniques, while the curved belly allows for easier chopping and mincing of ingredients.
The blade of a santoku knife is usually crafted from high-quality stainless steel and is often clad with layers of harder steel for enhanced durability and edge retention. The knife typically features a full tang construction, where the metal of the blade extends into the handle, providing strength and balance.
Santoku knives are a popular choice among both professional chefs and home cooks due to their versatility, ease of use, and ability to handle a wide range of kitchen tasks. They are particularly well-suited for preparing vegetables, but can also be used for slicing meats and fish.
The word "santoku" comes from the Japanese language. It is a compound word composed of two parts: "san" (三), which means "three", and "toku" (徳), which means "virtue" or "utility". The word "santoku" can be translated to mean "three virtues" or "three uses". It is commonly used to refer to a versatile type of kitchen knife that can handle various tasks such as slicing, dicing, and chopping. The name "santoku" reflects its multipurpose nature.
