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).
Draw precise lines with a sumiuchi-ki.