Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27386 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Synopsis
"The Oxford Beginner's Japanese Dictionary" is a brand new guide to learning Japanese. Designed specifically for English-speaking adult learners who are either learning from scratch or refreshing lost language skills, it offers an easy to use dictionary, extra help with vocabulary, and essential information on living and interacting in the Japanese-speaking world. The dictionary is exceptionally easy to use, because it moves away from the traditional dictionary layout. All main translations are preceded by an equals sign so that they are instantly identifiable, and all parts of the entry are spelt 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 context. The 30-page Learning and Lifestyle kit gives key information on both the Japanese language, with a list of the words you really need to know, grammar help, and verb tables, and on life in the Japanese-speaking world: background information on lifestyle and culture, tips on etiquette and interaction in the language, and a phrasefinder for use when travelling.

"The Oxford Beginner's Japanese Dictionary" is your essential companion to learning Japanese.

Customer Reviews

My first great japanese dictionary
Ok, let me start by saying this little gem has helped me out so many times when trying to think of a word. It's not just a dictionary but there is a whole middle section on grammar which is great for brushing up on you wa's and ga's.

I can also see some people have been disappointed with the fact that it's all written in hiragana/katakana, this is actually more beneficial to those wanting to get proficient with reading and writing in real japanese script, and i think it serves as more of an encouragement to go and learn the first two basic scripts. Believe me, anyone thats learned them will tell you once you have them down pat, (within about a month and half i learned mine)
you will find reading japanese so much more rewarding, and also your a lot less likely to make pronunciation mistakes.
Sometimes i still have to pinch myself to realise that holy Sh*t im reading japanese. Trust me, go and learn them, you'll love it.

Not great for begginers
This book is useless to a begginer. It should have romaji to make the words your looking for easier to locate. I would like to reccomend the "Berlitz Japanese Concise Dictionary" Which i found much more user friendly.

Not for beginners
This book is certainly not for beginners.

It has NO romanised/phonetic translations of Japanese words or phrases and requires you to read Japanese script, yet does not provide any form of phonetic alphabet for learning the script.

All the so-called helpful grammatically correct examples are written fully in Japanese script, along with all other advertised features.

Great if you're Japanese, and know the Roman and native alphabet, but for a western beginner: absolutely useless.