Oxford Beginner's Japanese Dictionary [Paperback]

Jonathan Bunt (Editor), Gillian Hall (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 16, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0199298521 | ISBN-13: 978-0199298525 | 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: 480 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Bilingual edition (October 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199298521
• ISBN-13: 978-0199298525
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Language Nonfiction > Japanese

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent beginner's dictionary, June 19, 2007

By 

Ray McDonald "Ray McDonald" (Fredericksburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

I have looked for an easy-to-use bi-directional Japanese-English dictionary for a long time and this is one of the best I have found. The dictionary is easy to use and packed full of informative commentary to help a beginner Japanese student who has a functioning knowledge of hiragana. Some people might criticize the book for being lacking in vocabulary, but as far as beginners go, I believe it to be a very useful and easy-to-use book.

Some pros:
1. Dictionary is bi-direction (has a J-E and E-J)
2. The Japanese stands out from the English with a very easy to see blue hiragana text, with the kanji characters next to them as well.
3. Easy to understand break-down of different types of Japanese verbs.
4. Dictionary entries have useful commentary for sayings, idiomatic expressions, etc. as they come up.
5. An excellent "Learning and Lifestyle" kit in the back of the dictionary gives a whole array of tools to help beginners (and anyone who is learning Japanese) a wide array of need-to-know words, cultural hints, kana charts, phrases, etc.
6. Dictionary is small and compact, but extensive. It fits nicely inside a backpack with the rest of your college books!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best choice for beginners, February 14, 2011

By 

D. Miser (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

As a Japanese language beginner living in Japan, I think this bi-directional dictionary is the best one out there.

In addition to the merits discussed in other reviews, I would add that the dictionary gives Japanese-to-English entries for verbs in the neutral polite ("masu") and "te" forms, which is how language beginners will likely encounter new verbs. (The entry redirects you to the corresponding dictionary form.) I found this to be extremely useful, and other dictionaries I tried lacked this; hence those dictionaries were rather useless in this context.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Through Second Year, December 27, 2008

By 

William F. "Will F." (N. California) - See all my reviews

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

I have used this dictionary through two years of formal study as well as some light field use. The use of kana and kanji for the translations is helpful in familiarization as well as comprehension, especially since the context sentences help clarify meaning. Having the combination of kana pronunciation and kanji written has helped my confidence when practicing composition.

The verb guide is handy for quick reminders, and daily vocabulary sections are likewise appreciated.

A great beginning-intermediate collegiate student's J-E, E-J dictionary that does not hobble the user with romaji.