Translation guide
The act or practice of creating tattoos. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 入れ墨 (irezumi) or the verb 彫る (horu), but the choice depends on context, formality, and cultural nuance.
Referring to tattooing as a general concept, art form, or practice.
The most common and neutral term for tattooing as a practice or the resulting tattoos. Can refer to both the act and the tattoos themselves.
日本では入れ墨に偏見を持つ人もいます。
In Japan, some people have prejudices against tattooing.
Loanword from English, often used for modern, fashionable, or Western-style tattoos. Less associated with traditional Japanese tattooing.
彼女はタトゥーアーティストです。
She is a tattoo artist.
A more literary or traditional term, often associated with full-body Japanese tattoos (和彫り). Can carry a slightly more artistic or historical nuance.
彼の背中には美しい刺青が彫られていた。
A beautiful tattoo was engraved on his back.
Describing the action of receiving a tattoo.
The most common way to say 'to get a tattoo.' Literally 'to put in a tattoo.'
来週、入れ墨を入れる予定です。
I'm planning to get a tattoo next week.
Same structure as above but using the loanword. Common among younger people.
初めてタトゥーを入れた。
I got my first tattoo.
Describing the action of the tattoo artist creating a tattoo on someone.
Means 'to carve' or 'to engrave,' and is the standard verb for the act of tattooing by the artist.
彼は客の腕に龍を彫った。
He tattooed a dragon on the client's arm.
More explicit phrase meaning 'to tattoo a tattoo.' Often used when specifying the design or location.
彼女は背中に入れ墨を彫ってもらった。
She had a tattoo done on her back.
Tattoos in Japan are historically associated with the yakuza and can still carry a stigma. Many public baths (onsen/sento), gyms, and pools prohibit entry to people with visible tattoos. When discussing tattooing in Japan, be aware of this context.
入れ墨 (irezumi) is the traditional Japanese term and can evoke images of full-body traditional tattoos, while タトゥー (tattoo) is a modern loanword often used for smaller, fashion-oriented tattoos. However, both can be used interchangeably in many contexts.