彫り師
horishi
The English phrase "tattoo artist" is translated into Japanese as 彫り師 (horishi).
The term 彫り師 refers to a tattoo artist and specifically refers to the traditional craft of tattooing, often implying a high level of technical mastery. While 'tattoo' is often transliterated as タトゥー (tatū), the term 彫り師 specifically refers to the traditional craft of tattooing.
Meaning: tattoo artist (noun)
Which one should you use?
The katakana loanword タトゥーアーティスト (tatū ātisuto) is more common in modern, Western-style tattoo studios, whereas 彫り師 carries a more traditional or classical connotation. For an informal way to say tattoo artist, you can use Irezumiya (刺青屋).
How do you pronounce it?
horishi
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'tattoo', 刺青 (irezumi), literally translates to 'pierce blue'. This captures the physical act of the needle entering the skin to leave pigment behind.
- Due to historical associations with organized crime, some 彫り師 have traditionally operated in secrecy or within private clubs to avoid police scrutiny.
- In Japanese culture, the term 刺青 (irezumi) used in 刺青屋 shares a root with 'embroidery', suggesting that the artist is effectively embroidering the skin with needles.
Examples in context
- 私は刺青職人になりたいです。I want to become a tattoo artist.
- 刺青屋ってどこが一番おすすめですか？Which tattoo parlor do you recommend the most?
- 腕の良い彫り師を探しています。Ude no yoi horishi o sagashite imasu.I am looking for a skilled tattoo artist.
- その彫り師はとても丁寧でした。Sono horishi wa totemo teinei deshita.That tattoo artist was very careful.
Example conversation
Daito and Himari are talking about a new tattoo.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、いいタトゥーだね。誰が彫ったの？Himari, ii tatū da ne. Dare ga hotta no?Himari, that's a great tattoo. Who did it?
- 陽葵 Himari友達の紹介の彫り師にお願いしたよ。Tomodachi no shoukai no horishi ni onegai shita yo.I asked a tattoo artist recommended by a friend.
- 大翔 Hirotoデザインがすごく綺麗だね。Dezain ga sugoku kirei da ne.The design is really beautiful.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。腕のいい彫り師だったよ。Arigatou. Ude no ii horishi datta yo.Thank you. They were a very skilled tattoo artist.
