Oxford Beginner's Chinese Dictionary [Paperback]

Boping Yuan (Editor), Sally Kathryn Church (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2006 | ISBN-10: 019929853X | ISBN-13: 978-0199298532 | Edition: Bilingual

Each Oxford Beginner's Bilingual Dictionary is designed to offer English speaking adult learners a comprehensive, straightforward introduction to foreign languages, covering all the vocabulary needed for the first years of study, along with notes on grammar and usage and guidance on the culture where the language is spoken.
These easy-to-use references break from standard dictionary design. Clear entries with examples showing how the language works in context make it quick and simple to find the translation you're looking for, and the bold, color layout makes the dictionary easy to navigate, allowing you to get to grips with the language fast. All main translations are preceded by an equals sign so that they are instantly identifiable, and all parts of the entry are spelled out in full, avoiding confusing jargon and abbreviations. Grammar and usage notes throughout the text warn of possible translation pitfalls, and thousands of example phrases show how the language is used in real life.
At the center of each dictionary is a section devoted to useful information on the country, countries, or regions where the language is spoken. This includes background on lifestyles and culture, tips on etiquette and interaction, and a phrasefinder that provides handy phrases for use when traveling abroad. The dictionary also includes a section on core vocabulary--all the words you absolutely must know at a beginner's level, whether you are a student, traveler, or business person.
The Oxford Beginner's Bilingual Dictionary is the perfect tool for adult language learners who need basic vocabulary at their fingertips fast.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Bilingual edition (October 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019929853X
• ISBN-13: 978-0199298532
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Chinese
  • #8 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > Chinese
  • #14 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Chinese > Instruction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, November 3, 2007

By 

C. S. Wolfe (Sugar Grove, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Oxford Beginner's Chinese Dictionary (Paperback)

I am dismayed that some people gave this book a poor score for not being something that it doesn't claim to be. It is not a comprehensive Chinese/English Dictionary. As the title and cover state, it is a beginner's dictionary for first-time learners. It is primarily designed for the student to look up an English word and find the pinyin and characters and how to use them. I have completed my first year of college Chinese classes and could not have survived without this dictionary. The font is a bit bigger than other dictionaries which makes it easier to see all the parts of the characters. The dictionary includes example phrases and sentences which are invaluable for getting the grammar right. My Chinese teacher commented on my correct use of grammar and vocabulary in my writing and asked how I was doing it. I gave all the credit to this dictionary and when she looked at it, she recommended it to her other classes. For a new student learning Chinese the way it's being taught at universities, this is the best there is. (I've purchased 6 Chinese/English dictionaries. Some of the others cover a lot more vocabulary but this is by far the best for a new learner)

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, October 20, 2006

By 

S. Morris (Saginaw, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Oxford Beginner's Chinese Dictionary (Paperback)

If you are an english speaker trying to learn Chinese this is one book that you need. It is incredibly useful and well done. Oxford added enough new features that this dictionary is worth it even if you own the previous version (Starter's Dictionary).

There are many other resources for the beginner that one could debate which ones to buy. This one will complement any other resource that you choose to use.

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Simplified Characters, August 22, 2007

By 

DWC (California United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Oxford Beginner's Chinese Dictionary (Paperback)

This is an excellent dictionary if you are learning from Pinyin and not learning to read Chinese. However, if you need Chinese characters, you should be aware that the book uses simplified characters. That would be fine for some people and places, but NOT if you're studying in Taiwan as we are at the moment since Taiwan uses traditional characters only.