Apuñalar VS acuchillar
Maria says that even though they both mean to stab, there is a big difference. Apuñalar emphasizes the "puño" whereas acuchillar focuses on the weapon. Gracias.
4 Answers
Apuñalar emphasizes the "puño" whereas acuchillar focuses on the weapon
OK, jeezzle, this is what I was able to find.....it seems like "apuñalar" is a more generic word meaning to stab. It can be with a knife or used metaphorically to stare daggers at someone.
On the other hand, "acuchillar" is stabbing that is specifically done with a knife.
So, it appears that acuchillar is a subset of apuñalar, but not the other way around. That's the best I can do at almost 2 in the morning.....
is as Echoline says...
"lo apuñalaron"... "he was stabbed with a dagger" "lo acuchillaron"... "he was stabbed with a knife"
But to tell the truth... most people doesn't care... and it can be used either without caring which was the weapon used...
Even the RAE says that acuchillar can be used "y por extensión con otras armas blancas" "and for extention to other cold weapons" (perhaps cold weapons isn't the best translation, because "arma blanca" is any weapon that cuts or stabs, but doesn't shoot... and cold weapons do include bows, and darts... anyway... that's how it's used)
Yes, "apuñalar" derives from "puñal" (dagger), and "acuchillar" from "cuchillo" (knife), so theoretically you should only use each word for a stabbing performed with each weapon. Since old school daggers are not exactly a common weapon in modern times, you should only hear "acuchillar", but in practice they are used almost interchangeably.
Also, and take this with a grain of salt, to my ears "acuchillar" is more fitting to describe an act of rage with a kitchen knife or a thug who stabs someone to rob him, and "apuñalar" would me more adequate to describe a homicide performed by a trained assassin or a soldier.
Is this a question, jeezzle?
