Translation guide
How to refer to a Japanese-English dictionary in Japanese, including common terms, usage contexts, and natural phrasing.
The most common and neutral way to say 'Japanese-English dictionary'.
Standard term for a Japanese-English dictionary. '和' means Japanese, '英' means English, '辞典' means dictionary.
和英辞典を引く
to look up a word in a Japanese-English dictionary
この和英辞典はとても便利です。
This Japanese-English dictionary is very useful.
Also means Japanese-English dictionary. '辞書' is a more general word for dictionary, often used for electronic or app versions.
スマホの和英辞書アプリを使っています。
I'm using a Japanese-English dictionary app on my smartphone.
Specifically referring to a digital Japanese-English dictionary, such as an app or website.
Japanese-English dictionary app. Commonly used for smartphone applications.
新しい和英辞書アプリをダウンロードした。
I downloaded a new Japanese-English dictionary app.
Online Japanese-English dictionary. Used for web-based dictionaries.
オンライン和英辞典で単語を調べる。
I look up words in an online Japanese-English dictionary.
Referring to a paper Japanese-English dictionary.
Paper Japanese-English dictionary. '紙の' means 'paper'.
紙の和英辞典は重いけど、好きです。
Paper Japanese-English dictionaries are heavy, but I like them.
Informal ways to mention a Japanese-English dictionary in conversation.
和英辞典 (wa-ei jiten) is Japanese-to-English, while 英和辞典 (ei-wa jiten) is English-to-Japanese. Be careful not to mix them up.
英和辞典で英語の意味を調べる。
I look up the meaning of English words in an English-Japanese dictionary.
Both 辞書 (jisho) and 辞典 (jiten) mean dictionary. 辞書 is more general and often used for electronic dictionaries, while 辞典 implies a more comprehensive reference work. In practice, they are often interchangeable.