칼 (kal) · 도마 (do-ma, doma)
칼 (kal) is the cutting tool, while 도마 (doma) is the cutting board used as a base in the kitchen.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A tool with a blade used for cutting or slicing food
When to use
Cutting ingredients, Slicing food, Knife action
The nuance
칼 is used to cut or slice ingredients directly, usually on a 도마. It must have a blade and does not serve as a base like 도마.
A flat board used as a base to place ingredients for cutting food
When to use
Ingredient base, Kitchen safety, Knife usage aid
The nuance
도마 is a base to place ingredients for cutting with a 칼; it is not a cutting tool itself. It protects ingredients and allows safe knife use.
칼로 토마토를 잘랐다.
kal-ro to-ma-to-reul jal-rass-da., kal ro to ma to reul jal rass da.
칼 is the cutting tool, so it is correct to say cutting tomato with a knife.
도마로 고기를 잘랐다.
do-ma-ro go-gi-reul jal-rass-da., do ma ro go gi reul jal rass da.
도마 is not a cutting tool but a base, so 'cut with a cutting board' is incorrect. Use 'cut on the cutting board' instead.
도마 위에 양파를 올려놓았다.
do-ma wi-e yang-pa-reul ol-ryeo-noh-ass-da., do ma wi e yang pa reul ol ryeo noh ass da.
도마 is the base to place ingredients, so this expression is correct.
칼 위에 고기를 올려놓았다.
kal wi-e go-gi-reul ol-ryeo-noh-ass-da., kal wi e go gi reul ol ryeo noh ass da.
칼 is a cutting tool, not a base, so placing meat on it is inappropriate.
칼질을 조심하세요.
kal-jil-eul jo-sim-ha-se-yo., kal jil eul jo sim ha se yo.
칼질 means cutting action with a knife, so it is correct.
도마질을 조심하세요.
do-ma-jil-eul jo-sim-ha-se-yo., do ma jil eul jo sim ha se yo.
도마 does not perform cutting, so '도마질' is not a valid expression.
새 칼을 샀다.
sae kal-eul sass-da., sae kal eul sass da.
칼 refers to the cutting tool in the kitchen, so this is correct.
새 도마를 샀다.
sae do-ma-reul sass-da., sae do ma reul sass da.
도마 is a base to place ingredients and can be bought, so this is correct.
Which tool is directly used to cut food?
What is the base used to place ingredients for cutting?
Why is 'I cut meat with a cutting board' incorrect?
