タトゥー
たとぅー
noun
tattoo
1.
tattoo
A permanent design made by inserting ink into the skin. In Japanese, タトゥー specifically refers to Western-style tattoos, as distinct from traditional Japanese 入れ墨 (irezumi).
タトゥーを入れた。
I got a tattoo.
腕にタトゥーが入っている。
There's a tattoo on my arm.
タトゥーが入っていると、日本の温泉に入れないことがある。
If you have a tattoo, you may not be allowed to enter Japanese hot springs.
USAGE:
The collocation タトゥーを入れる (to get/put in a tattoo) is the standard way to say "get a tattoo." タトゥーが入っている describes the state of having a tattoo.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- タトゥーを入れる: to get a tattoo
- タトゥーが入っている: to have a tattoo
- タトゥーを消す: to remove a tattoo
- タトゥーシール: temporary tattoo sticker
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japan, tattoos carry a strong association with yakuza (organized crime), so many public baths, swimming pools, and gyms prohibit entry for tattooed individuals. タトゥー is used for Western-style tattoos and carries a somewhat more neutral or fashionable connotation than the traditional term 入れ墨, though the social restrictions apply equally to both.