PURPOSE: To obtain a recording ink having excellent quick-drying properties and water resistance, by solubilizing a soln., prepd. by dissolving an oil-soluble dye in a surfactant, in a hydrophilic org. solvent and/or aqueous solvent.

CONSTITUTION: 1pt. oil-soluble dye having excellent weather resistance (e.g., C.I. Solvent Black 31) is dissolved in 0.2W5pts. anionic or nonionic surfactant (e.g., polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether) to prepare a soln. The soln. is solubilized in a hydrophilic org. solvent (polyethylene glycol) and/or aqueous solvent. If necessary, a bactericide, deoxidant, sequestering agent, etc., are added thereto. Thus, there is obtd. a recording ink which exhibits excellent delivery stability, wettability on paper, quick-drying properties and water resistance. This ink can also be applied to plain paper and is suited for use in ink jet recording, writing utensil, recorder and stamp.