French Phrase
Utilise toujours un couteau bien aiguisé.
Meaning
The sentence is a piece of practical advice meaning ‘Always use a well‑sharpened knife.’ It stresses the importance of keeping your cutting tool sharp for safety and efficiency in the kitchen.
When to use
You would say this to a cooking student, a friend who is learning to cook, or anyone handling knives. It works well as a short, memorable tip on a cooking class handout or a kitchen safety poster.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Utilisetoujoursuncouteaubienaiguisé
Imperative (tu)
‘Utilise’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘utiliser’, used for giving direct commands or advice.
Adverb placement
‘Toujours’ (always) is placed after the verb in the affirmative imperative to modify the action.
Adjective agreement
‘Aiguisé’ agrees with the masculine noun ‘couteau’; the adverb ‘bien’ intensifies the adjective.
🗨In Conversation
Comment coupes‑tu les légumes ?
How do you cut the vegetables?
J’utilise toujours un couteau bien aiguisé.
I always use a well‑sharpened knife.
✕Common Mistakes
Toujours utilise un couteau bien aiguisé.
In the affirmative imperative, the adverb ‘toujours’ must follow the verb, not precede it.
un couteau bien aiguisée
‘Couteau’ is masculine, so the adjective must be ‘aiguisé’, not the feminine ‘aiguisée’.
Utilisez toujours un couteau bien aiguisé.
If you intend the informal ‘tu’ form, use ‘Utilise’. ‘Utilisez’ is the formal/plural imperative and changes the tone.
↔Alternatives
Emploie toujours un couteau bien affûté.
Always employ a well‑sharpened knife.
N’utilise jamais un couteau émoussé.
Never use a dull knife.
Assure‑toi d’avoir un couteau bien aiguisé.
Make sure you have a well‑sharpened knife.
Cultural Tip
In French cuisine, a sharp knife is considered a sign of respect for the ingredients and the chef. Professional kitchens in France often have a ‘mise en place’ ritual that includes checking the sharpness of knives before service. Using a dull knife is seen as careless and can even be a safety hazard, so the advice is taken very seriously.