Translation guide
A marker with ink that is not easily erased, used for writing on various surfaces. In Japanese, the most common term is マジック (majikku), a genericized trademark. Other terms exist for specific types.
The common felt-tip pen with permanent ink, often used for writing on paper, plastic, or whiteboards (though not erasable).
The most common everyday word for a permanent marker. Derived from 'Magic Marker', it is used generically regardless of brand. Often used in compounds like 油性マジック (oil-based marker).
マジックで名前を書いてください。
Please write your name with a permanent marker.
そのマジック貸してくれる？
Can I borrow that marker?
Specifically an oil-based permanent marker. Emphasizes the ink type, often used when distinguishing from water-based markers.
油性マジックで書いたら消えません。
If you write with an oil-based marker, it won't come off.
Oil-based pen. A broader term that includes permanent markers and other oil-based writing instruments.
油性ペンでラベルに記入してください。
Please fill out the label with a permanent marker.
Felt-tip pen. Can refer to any marker with a felt tip, including non-permanent ones. Context is needed to specify permanence.
このフェルトペンは水性ですか？
Is this felt-tip pen water-based?
A marker designed for writing on metal, glass, or rough surfaces, often with a larger tip and more durable ink.
Marking pen. Used in industrial or workshop settings for labeling materials. Implies a robust, permanent marker.
マーキングペンで鉄板に番号を書いた。
I wrote numbers on the steel plate with a marking pen.
Industrial marker. A more explicit term for heavy-duty markers used in factories or construction.
工業用マーカーは水や油に強い。
Industrial markers are resistant to water and oil.
Warning: using a permanent marker on a whiteboard by mistake, or the need to remove it.
A phrase to warn someone not to confuse a permanent marker with a whiteboard marker. Often said when lending markers.
それ油性だから、ホワイトボード用マーカーと間違えないでね。
That's permanent, so don't mistake it for a whiteboard marker.
What to say when you accidentally used a permanent marker on a whiteboard. Asks how to remove it.
やばい、油性で書いちゃった！消し方教えて。
Oh no, I wrote with a permanent marker! Tell me how to erase it.
While マジック usually implies a permanent marker, it can sometimes refer to any felt-tip pen, including water-based ones. To be clear, specify 油性 (oil-based) or check the context.
このマジック、水性だから消えるよ。
This marker is water-based, so it will erase.
If you need to remove permanent marker from a whiteboard, writing over it with a dry-erase marker and then wiping can work. In Japanese, you might ask:
油性マジックを消すには、ホワイトボード用マーカーで上からなぞると消えます。
To remove permanent marker, trace over it with a whiteboard marker and it will come off.
To remove permanent marker, trace over it with a whiteboard marker and it will come off.