How to say "dictionary" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 辞書じしょnounThe plain, all-round word for 'dictionary': a reference work you look words up in. When in doubt, choose this; it can also translate 'lexicon'.
- 辞典じてんnounA close synonym of 辞書 with much the same sense — a compiled dictionary or word-list. The two are largely interchangeable, though 辞典 is especially at home in the titles of published dictionaries.
- 字引じびきnounA quaint, old-fashioned name for a dictionary. For the plain sense it is seldom the word you want — say 辞書 instead; you mostly meet it in older writing or nostalgic turns of phrase.
- 辞林じりんnounA formal or literary synonym of 辞書. It is not the word for everyday mention of a dictionary; you meet it in elevated prose or in the names of dictionaries. Default to 辞書.
- nounThe direct loanword for 'dictionary', with the same sense as 辞書. Seldom the word you want in your own sentences; you meet it mainly in brand names or where English is being quoted.
For a dictionary in any ordinary context choose 辞書; 辞典 is a near-synonym common in dictionary titles; 字引 is an old-fashioned alternative; 辞林 is formal or literary; 「ディクショナリ」 is the loanword, rarely needed.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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