An novel ink for thermal ink jet recording comprising at least water and a coloring material is provided, characterized in that there is contained an amino compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group having a hydroxyl group; R.sub.2, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group having a hydroxyl group; R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 may be the same or different and each represents a C.sub.1-3 alkylene group; and R.sub.6 represents a C.sub.1-5 alkylene group. The content of said amino compound is in the range of 0.005 to 5.0% by weight.