Translation guide
A pen with a felt or fiber tip, often used for writing, drawing, or coloring. In Japanese, the most common term is フェルトペン, but other words like サインペン or マーカー are used depending on the type and context.
A pen with a felt tip, used for writing or drawing.
The most direct translation, widely understood. Often used for coloring or writing.
このフェルトペンは色がきれいです。
This felt-tip pen has nice colors.
Originally a brand name, now a generic term for felt-tip pens, especially those with a fine tip used for signing or writing. Very common in everyday speech.
サインペンで名前を書いてください。
Please write your name with a felt-tip pen.
Refers to markers, often with a broader tip, used for highlighting or drawing. Can overlap with felt-tip pens, especially for coloring.
ホワイトボード用のマーカーを買った。
I bought markers for the whiteboard.
A pen with a fine felt tip, often used for detailed work.
Literally 'fine-character felt-tip pen'. Used when specifying a fine tip, but not common in casual conversation.
細字用フェルトペンでイラストを描いています。
I'm drawing an illustration with a fine-tip felt-tip pen.
A technical term for fine-tip pens used in drafting or manga, often with waterproof ink. Not a general term for felt-tip pens.
ミリペンで線を引く。
Draw lines with a fineliner.
フェルトペン is the generic term. サインペン is a common brand-derived word for fine-tip felt pens. マーカー usually refers to markers with a broader tip, like highlighters or whiteboard markers. In casual speech, サインペン is often used for any felt-tip pen.
サインペン、持ってる？
Do you have a felt-tip pen?