Customer Reviews

Kenkyusha's Japanese English Learner's Dictionary

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If you know Japanese, it's a blessing to have this dictionary. If you don't, you'll surely improve your language skills by looking up words in Kenkyusha. Not only is it made for people who translate, but it is a wodnerful tool for those who want to know in-depth informations about a certain word, or phrase: it has many examples, a thing which I personally appreciate, because it helps see the words in the right context. Difficult kanji's are spelled out in the examples, another thing that makes me appreciate the care of the editors. And you can find lots of important katakana romanizations, that's a blessing! The annexes are also very useful: one containing the katakana spelling for European/US names (authors, artists, famous people), one with Chinese names and their spelling and another one, which is wonderful: titles of famous books/novels. Another thing: next to each technical term, one has a reference (one kanji), describing the field to which this word "belongs". This is really a very useful info, because when the same word has two different meanings, I can select the one I need. Great dictionary!

I have been studying for a year or so and this book is my constant companion ( and to a lesser extent the matching English-Japanese version). I highlight every word I look up and work to memorize it with a wonderful free downloadable flashcard memory program - Mnemosyne. Highly recommend this book and the program!

I bought this dictionary in the early nineties when I was a student in Tokyo. Today, I am still in Japan, married to a Japanese woman, but still continue to use this dictionary. It is so helpful, even though there are translation softwares on my computer. The Editor in Cheif is probably a genius. His work has helped/benefited many students and people like me.
I will try to add more details here when I have the time.