A colored dispersion that contains (A) a dye derivative, (B) a water-insoluble dye, (C) a dispersant, and water. The (A) component contains an anthraquinone-based compound represented by formula (a1), the (C) component contains a polyoxyethylene aryl phenyl ether and a polyoxyethylene aryl phenyl ether sulfate, and the mass ratio ((B)/(A)) of the (B) component with respect to the (A) component satisfies the relationship 400>(B)/(A)>3.125. A recording medium having the colored dispersion adhered thereto and a hydrophobic fiber printing method using the colored dispersion. In formula (a1), each of R.sup.a1-R.sup.a5 is a hydrogen atom, and X.sup.a1 is a group represented by formula (a4). In formula (a4), Z.sup.a3 is an optionally-substituted amino group

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An ink set contains a first ink containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a thiazole ring are bonded and a second ink containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a pyridinedione ring are bonded. A thermal transfer recording sheet has a first ink layer containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a thiazole ring are bonded and a second ink layer containing a compound in which a pyrazolone ring and a pyridinedione ring are bonded.