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.
The printer ran out of ink.
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.
I grind ink and practice calligraphy.
Liquid ink, often pre-mixed, used in calligraphy or art. Less common than 墨.
I drew a picture using liquid ink.
Referring to the ink used in tattoos.
Referring to the dark liquid produced by squid, often used in cooking.
Referring to ink used for drawing, painting, or traditional calligraphy.
The action of applying ink, such as in printing or signing.
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.
The fountain pen ran out of ink.
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.
イカの墨で真っ黒になった。
It turned pitch black from the squid ink.
This ink is waterproof.