Dictionaries
This site contains recommendations for online dictionaries, paper dictionaries, and electronic dictionaries (small hand-held computers, similar in size to a calculator). These recommendations are based on the findings of a research project investigating a large number of dictionaries currently available. The three lists below detail a selection of our top recommendations for each kind of dictionary, with a rough indication of the level of learner for whom they are suitable. To view a more extensive list, with more detailed ratings for each dictionary, as well as recommendations for kanji dictionaries, please use the links in Further Information.
If you have a suggestion for additions or corrections to information, please email Sarah.PasfieldNeofitou@arts.monash.edu.au
Online Dictionaries / Translators: (in no particular order)
- Denshi Jisho http://www.jisho.org (Beginner – Advanced)
- Rikai http://www.rikai.com/ (Beginner – Advanced)
- Jim Breen’s http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C (Beginner - Advanced)
- Eijiro http://www.alc.co.jp (Lower Intermediate – Advanced)
- GOO Jisho http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/index.html (Advanced)
Paper Dictionaries: (in no particular order)
(English to Japanese / Japanese to English)
- Kodansha’s Furigana Dictionaries (Beginner – Lower Intermediate)
- Kenkyusha’s Lighthouse Dictionaries (Upper Intermediate – Advanced)
- Super Anchor Dictionaries (Upper Intermediate – Advanced)
- Kenkyusha’s New Collage Dictionaries (Upper Intermediate – Advanced)
- Genius Dictionaries (Upper Intermediate – Advanced)
Electronic Dictionaries: (in no particular order)
- Canon Word Tank (Beginner ~ Advanced)
- Seiko (RM-2000 recommended) (Beginner ~ Advanced)
- Casio (XD-470 recommended) (Upper Intermediate ~ Advanced)
- Sharp Zaurusu (Lower Intermediate ~ Advanced)
- Sharp Papyrus (Upper Intermediate ~ Advanced)
As new models of electronic dictionaries are produced frequently, it is difficult to make up-to-date recommendations. Before purchasing an electronic dictionary, it is suggested that you read the Guide for Students Purchasing an Electronic Dictionary.
An alternative to purchasing an electronic dictionary is to install dictionary software on a PDA. More information can be found at http://www.peterrivard.com/Pages/SuperDictionary.html
Further Information:
Complete list of Online Dictionary / Translator ratings and recommendations
Complete list of Paper Dictionary ratings and recommendations
Complete list of Electronic Dictionary recommendations
A booklet containing all of the detailed lists above may be downloaded here in PDF format