PURPOSE: An ink jet recording ink with improved anticlogging property and quick curing property, which is prepared by the addition of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, glycerin and a surfactant to a water-soluble direct dye.

CONSTITUTION: An ink, comprising 0.5W9wt% of a water-soluble direct dye, 7W 45wt% of glycerin, 1W6wt% of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and a surfactant of surface tention ≤30 dyne/cm or lower at micelle forming concentration in water, in an amount corresponding to critical concentration for micell formation or less. In view of the color tone, physical property, etc. of the ink, part of said glycerin may be replaced by a polyhydric alcohol or its derivative such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, mono-, di- or triethylene glycol alkyl ether. The amount of the surfactant to be added, is restricted to correspond to the critical concentration for micell formation or less, because an excess amount causes an ink blot on common high-quality paper.