Translation guide
A tool for applying paint, typically with bristles. In Japanese, the word depends on the type of painting: art painting vs. house/construction painting. The most common general word is 絵筆 (for art), while 刷毛 and ペンキ刷毛 are used for broader application like walls.
A brush used for creating paintings on canvas or paper.
The standard word for an artist's paintbrush. Used for oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc.
新しい絵筆を買った。
I bought a new paintbrush.
この絵筆はとても描きやすい。
This paintbrush is very easy to paint with.
General word for brush (including calligraphy brushes). In context of painting, it can mean paintbrush, but 絵筆 is more specific.
筆を洗ってください。
Please wash the paintbrush.
A more formal or literary term for artist's paintbrush. Rare in everyday speech.
彼は画筆を執ることを決意した。
He decided to take up the paintbrush (i.e., become a painter).
A brush used for painting houses, furniture, or other large surfaces, often with oil-based or latex paint.
General word for a flat brush used for applying paint, varnish, or glue to surfaces. Often wider than an artist's brush.
刷毛で壁にペンキを塗った。
I painted the wall with a paintbrush.
この刷毛は毛が抜けやすい。
This paintbrush sheds bristles easily.
Specifically a brush for paint (ペンキ). Emphasizes the use with paint rather than varnish or glue.
ペンキ刷毛を買いに行く。
I'm going to buy a paintbrush.
Technical term for a painting/coating brush. Used in professional or industrial contexts.
塗装用刷毛はサイズが豊富だ。
There is a wide range of sizes for paintbrushes.
A brush used for writing characters or ink painting, typically with a bamboo handle and animal hair.
The standard word for a calligraphy brush. Also used for sumi-e (ink painting).
筆で字を書く。
Write characters with a brush.
この筆は穂先が柔らかい。
This brush has a soft tip.
Literally 'hair brush', emphasizing the bristles. Often used in contrast to 硬筆 (hard pen/pencil).
A brush used for applying cosmetics.
Common loanword for makeup brush.
新しいメイクブラシを買った。
I bought a new makeup brush.
Native Japanese term for makeup brush, less common than メイクブラシ but still used.
化粧筆を清潔に保つ。
Keep makeup brushes clean.
絵筆 (efude) is for artistic painting (canvas, paper). 刷毛 (hake) is for practical painting (walls, furniture). Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
画家は絵筆を使う。
A painter uses a paintbrush (artist).
ペンキ屋は刷毛を使う。
A house painter uses a paintbrush.
The direct loanword ペイントブラシ (peinto burashi) is not commonly used in Japanese. It may be understood but sounds unnatural. Use 絵筆 or 刷毛 instead.
毛筆で絵を描く。
Paint a picture with a brush.