How to say "tattoo" in Japanese

• タトゥーCommon
  nounThe katakana loanword for a tattoo, especially one in a style other than traditional Japanese. A noun, it names the tattoo itself; the practice of tattooing is covered under 入れ墨.
• 入れ墨いれずみCommon
  noun, suru verbA tattoo, especially a traditional Japanese one; it also covers tattooing as a practice. The word to use when the subject is traditional Japanese tattoos rather than tattoos in other styles.
• 彫るほるJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb 'to tattoo': it describes the act of tattooing rather than the tattoo as a thing, as in what a tattoo artist does. More broadly, 彫る also means to carve or engrave.

Use 「タトゥー」 for a tattoo in a style other than traditional Japanese, 「入れ墨」 for a traditional Japanese tattoo or for tattooing as a practice, and 「彫る」 when you need the verb 'to tattoo'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• タトゥーtattoo (esp. one in a style other than traditional Japanese)
• 入れ墨いれずみtattoo (esp. a traditional Japanese one)
• 刺青しせいtattoo (esp. a traditional Japanese one)
• 文身ぶんしんtattoo (esp. a traditional Japanese one)
• 紋々もんもんtattoo (esp. one of a flame-wreathed dragon wrapped around and swallowing the tip of an upright sword)
• くりからもんもんtattoo (esp. one of a flame-wreathed dragon wrapped around and swallowing the tip of an upright sword)
• 黥げいtattoo (esp. a traditional Japanese one)
• 彫るほるto tattoo
• 彫り物ほりものtattoo
• 入れぼくろいれぼくろtattoo