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I researched the terms on jisho.org and found two words, 印鑑 and 判子, used to
mean 'seal'. I want to clarify my understanding because I am assuming that an
印鑑 is used to make the 判子. What is the name of the device used to imprint the
seal and what is the impression called?
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2017-03-21T06:14:58.323
44704
2017-03-21T13:25:13.030
2017-03-21T13:25:13.030
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question
translation word-choice meaning
Is the inkan(印鑑) the device that is used to make the hanko(判子)?
Both 判子 and 印鑑 almost always refer to **devices** to make an impression. They
are typically made of wood, ivory, metal, etc. English _seal_ refers to both
such seal-making devices and the impressions made by such devices. In
Japanese, the most common word to refer to the impression made by such a
device is 印影.

Strictly speaking, however, 印鑑 can refer to 印影 (impression) especially in the
legal language. The original meaning of the kanji 鑑 is something like
"evidence" or "identity". So at least technically speaking, one might say a 判子
can make a 印鑑. But an 印鑑 never makes a 判子.

判子 and 印鑑 are usually interchangeable, but 印鑑 only refers to ones used to
seriously authenticate yourself. 判子 is a more casual term and it can also
refer to rubber stamps or stamps [like
these](https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2144262376415779501).
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2017-03-21T12:59:08.260
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2017-03-21T12:59:08.260
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answer