Translation guide
The English word 'ink' refers to the colored liquid used for writing, printing, or drawing. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is インク (inku), a loanword from English. However, traditional Japanese calligraphy uses 墨 (sumi), which is solid ink made from soot. This guide covers how to express 'ink' in various contexts.
Referring to the liquid used in ballpoint pens, fountain pens, printers, etc.
The standard loanword for ink in modern contexts, such as pen ink or printer ink.
プリンターのインクが切れた。
The printer ran out of ink.
このペンはインクが出ない。
This pen doesn't write (lit. doesn't dispense ink).
Refers to traditional Japanese ink, usually in solid stick form, used for calligraphy and sumi-e painting. Not used for modern pen ink.
墨をすって書道の練習をする。
I grind ink and practice calligraphy.
Liquid ink, often pre-mixed, used in calligraphy or art. Less common than 墨.
墨汁を使って絵を描いた。
I drew a picture using liquid ink.
Referring to the ink used in tattoos.
The specific term for tattoo ink.
このタトゥーインクは色が鮮やかだ。
This tattoo ink has vivid colors.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'tattoo ink'.
入れ墨のインクがかぶれた。
The tattoo ink caused a rash.
Referring to the dark liquid produced by squid, often used in cooking.
The standard term for squid ink, especially in culinary contexts.
イカ墨パスタが好きです。
I like squid ink pasta.
A slightly more literal phrase meaning 'ink of squid'.
Referring to ink used for drawing, painting, or traditional calligraphy.
The traditional ink stick used in East Asian calligraphy and ink wash painting. It is ground with water on an inkstone.
墨で描かれた山水画。
A landscape painting done in ink.
Used for Western-style art inks, such as India ink or drawing ink.
The action of applying ink, such as in printing or signing.
Means 'to apply ink' or 'to ink something', e.g., a stamp pad.
スタンプにインクをつけて押す。
Ink the stamp and press it.
Literally 'to put in ink', used for filling a calligraphy brush with ink or, metaphorically, for getting a tattoo (入れ墨を入れる).
筆に墨を入れる。
I load the brush with ink.
インク (inku) is the general term for modern liquid ink, while 墨 (sumi) specifically refers to traditional solid ink used in calligraphy and sumi-e. Using 墨 for printer ink would sound odd.
万年筆のインクがなくなった。
The fountain pen ran out of ink.
書道では墨を使う。
In calligraphy, we use sumi ink.
墨 (sumi) is not interchangeable with インク. If you ask for 墨 at an office supply store, they might think you want calligraphy supplies. For pens and printers, always use インク.
It turned pitch black from the squid ink.
This ink is waterproof.