インク

• Reading: インク
• Romaji: inku
• Pronunciation: /iɴ.kɯ/

Meaning

Ink. A liquid or paste used for writing, printing, or drawing.

A loanword from English 'ink,' used as the standard modern Japanese word for ink. Refers to ink for pens, printers, stamps, and art supplies. Common collocations include インクが切れる (to run out of ink), インクを補充する (to refill ink), and 万年筆のインク (fountain pen ink). The traditional Japanese word for ink is 墨 (sumi), which specifically refers to black ink used in calligraphy.

Examples

1. プリンターのインクがなくなった。 The printer ran out of ink.
2. 赤いインクで名前を書かないでください。 Please don't write your name in red ink.
3. この万年筆はインクの色が美しい。 This fountain pen has a beautiful ink color.

Usage Guide

Context: office, stationery, printing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'ink,' which itself derives from Latin 'encaustum' (burned in), referring to the purple-red ink used by Roman emperors.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal