Translation guide
A thesaurus is a reference book or tool that lists words grouped by meaning. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 類語辞典 (ruigo jiten), but depending on context, other terms like シソーラス (shiisōrasu) or 同義語辞典 (dōgigo jiten) may be used. This guide explains how to refer to a thesaurus in Japanese, including digital tools and related concepts.
Referring to a physical or digital book that lists synonyms and related words.
The most common and natural term for a thesaurus in Japanese. Literally 'similar-word dictionary'. Used for both print and digital versions.
類語辞典で「美しい」の類語を調べた。
I looked up synonyms for 'beautiful' in a thesaurus.
Loanword from English, commonly used in technical contexts such as linguistics, natural language processing, or digital thesauri. Less common in everyday conversation.
この検索エンジンはシソーラス機能を搭載している。
This search engine has a thesaurus function.
Literally 'synonym dictionary'. More specific than 類語辞典, focusing strictly on synonyms rather than broader related words. Less common and may sound technical.
同義語辞典は、完全に同じ意味の言葉だけを集めている。
A synonym dictionary collects only words with exactly the same meaning.
Referring to a thesaurus feature in software, websites, or apps.
Means 'synonym search' and is commonly used for thesaurus functions in word processors, online dictionaries, etc.
ワードの類語検索機能を使うと、表現の幅が広がる。
Using the thesaurus feature in Word broadens your range of expression.
Directly 'thesaurus function', used in technical descriptions of software.
この辞書アプリにはシソーラス機能が付いています。
This dictionary app comes with a thesaurus function.
Talking about the idea of a thesaurus as a linguistic resource.
In academic or technical discussions about lexical databases, シソーラス is the standard term.
自然言語処理では、シソーラスが重要な役割を果たす。
In natural language processing, thesauri play an important role.
Even when discussing the concept, 類語辞典 is often used in general contexts.
類語辞典 is the everyday word for a thesaurus, while シソーラス is a technical loanword. Use 類語辞典 in most situations; シソーラス is appropriate in IT, linguistics, or when referring to a specific digital thesaurus database.
When asking for a thesaurus in a bookstore or library, say 類語辞典はありますか？ (Do you have a thesaurus?). For online searches, 類語検索 is widely understood.
類語辞典は作家にとって便利な道具だ。
A thesaurus is a useful tool for writers.