An ink-jet recording method and apparatus using an aqueous ink that comprises a recording agent and a liquid medium for dissolving or dispersing the recording agent, the ink comprising a compound represented by the general formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of radicals of hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy having not more than 10 carbons, sulfonic acid or salts thereof, nitro, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino or derivatives thereof, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are not simultaneously a hydrogen radical.