Translation guide
An inkpot is a small container for holding ink, typically used with a dip pen or brush for writing or calligraphy. In Japanese contexts, the most common equivalent is 墨壺 (sumitsubo), but this often refers to a carpenter's inkpot used for marking lines. For calligraphy, 硯 (suzuri) is the inkstone where ink is ground, not a pot. This guide clarifies the different terms and their uses.
A small pot or bottle to hold ink for dip pens, fountain pens, or brushes.
A general term for an inkpot, literally 'ink pot'. Suitable for Western-style ink containers.
There is an inkpot on the desk.
Often refers to a carpenter's inkpot (sumitsubo) used for marking lines, but can also mean an inkpot for calligraphy ink. Context is key.
Primarily associated with carpentry. For calligraphy ink containers, 硯 (suzuri) is more common, though it's an inkstone, not a pot.
The carpenter draws a line with an inkpot.
Specifically a bottle for ink, often used for fountain pen ink bottles.
I bought an ink bottle for fountain pens.
A traditional Japanese tool used by carpenters to mark straight lines on wood, consisting of a pot with ink-soaked cotton and a string.
In East Asian calligraphy, ink is often ground on an inkstone, not stored in a pot. This is the primary tool for preparing ink.
An inkstone used to grind an ink stick with water to produce liquid ink. Not a pot, but the functional equivalent in calligraphy.
This is not a container for storing ink; it's a stone for grinding. Do not use 硯 to refer to a Western inkpot.
Grind ink on the inkstone.
墨壺 (sumitsubo) is a carpenter's tool with a string for marking lines, while 硯 (suzuri) is a calligrapher's inkstone for grinding ink. If you mean a simple container for liquid ink, use インク壺 (inkutsubo).
An inkpot is not the same as an ink cartridge for printers or pens. For cartridges, use インクカートリッジ (inku kātorijji).