Translation and Meaning of: インク - inku

The word 「インク」 (inku) is the Japanese term for "ink". The etymology of 「インク」 is related to the English "ink", which traces back to the Latin "encaustum". This Latin word referred to an ink used for writing and originated from the Greek "enkauston", which meant "burned", due to the initial technique of producing inks from burned materials, such as charcoal.

The adaptation of the term to the Japanese language occurred during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan began to modernize and absorb Western influences. At that time, the country was introducing new concepts and technologies, including writing materials such as ink. Thus, 「インク」 quickly became a common word in the Japanese vocabulary to describe the substance used in pens, inks for printing, and other means of writing and illustration.

Definitions and Uses of the Word

Nowadays, 「インク」 (inku) is widely used to describe different types of inks, and can be found in various contexts, including:

• Ink for printers: water-based inks, pigment or dye.
• Ink: suitable for both ballpoint pens and fountain pens.
• Artistic paint: used in watercolors, acrylics, and oils.

The word 「インク」 is versatile and adapts to various contexts, reflecting the evolution of writing techniques and the production of related materials. With the advancement of technology, new formulations of 「インク」 are constantly being developed, maintaining the relevance of the term in everyday Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• インキ (Inki) - Inks in general, especially in printing.
• 印刷インク (Insatsu Inku) - Inks for printing.
• 印刷用インク (Insatsu You Inku) - Inks specifically intended for printing.
• インキジェット (Inki Jetto) - Inks for inkjet printers.
• インクタンク (Inku Tanku) - Ink tank, usually for printers.
• インクカートリッジ (Inku Kātorijji) - Used ink cartridge for printers.
• インクボトル (Inku Botoru) - Ink bottles, commonly used for refilling.
• インクペン (Inku Pen) - A pen with ink can refer to either fountain pens or permanent pens.
• インクウェル (Inkuueru) - Inkwell, a container for ink, used in ancient times.
• インク色 (Inku Iro) - Paint color.
• インク消し (Inku Keshi) - Paint remover.
• インク満タン (Inku Mantan) - Ink tank full.

インク

Romaji: inku
Kana: インク
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: ink

Meaning in English: ink

Definition: Liquid pigment used to draw letters and images.

Example Sentences - (インク) inku

See below some example sentences:

インクを買いに行きます。

Inku wo kai ni ikimasu

I'm going to buy paint.

• インク (ink) - Noun that means ink in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Object particle that indicates that the previous noun is the object of the action.
• 買い (kai) - Noun that means purchase in Japanese.
• に (ni) - Destination particle indicating the place where the action is being directed
• 行きます (ikimasu) - Verb that means to go in Japanese, conjugated in the present affirmative