What dictionary to you use to look up words from English to Japanese?
This question is to the Japanese learners out there.

I'm wondering if you have found a good dictionary to use when you are trying to look up a word from English to Japanese. Specifically, one that has Romaji, explains the differences between the usage of different words, and has good example sentences.

I have some that I use, but they all are in Kanji, so I am looking for a recommendation for my students. Every time they use jisho.org, they come back with the wrong word.

Thanks!

Question

What dictionary to you use to look up words from English to Japanese?
This question is to the Japanese learners out there.

I'm wondering if you have found a good dictionary to use when you are trying to look up a word from English to Japanese. Specifically, one that has Romaji, explains the differences between the usage of different words, and has good example sentences.

I have some that I use, but they all are in Kanji, so I am looking for a recommendation for my students. Every time they use jisho.org, they come back with the wrong word.

Thanks!

Answer

Have you tried tangorin.com? It's absolutely amazing! 
It will give you the romanji, kana, and kanji version of the words. It gives you sample sentences for the different meanings, in Japanese and English - and when you click on the Japanese sentence (with kanji in it), it transcribes the kanji to kana. You can then click on every word in the sentence to get the translation for that word.
Just plain awesome!!!

Answer

How about "Imiwa?"  http://www.imiwaapp.com/

Once you download the app., you can use it off-line.  Compare with other ones, I think this is quite accurate.  It is a free app, so it will not hurt to try it and have a go.

Answer

http://ejje.weblio.jp/ is really useful (but the UI is in Japanese, so your students may not like that). I also use http://www.wadoku.de/search/ (Japanese-German), but of course you need to know German for that. And having Rikaichan/Rikaikun in the browser is always a big help.

I have to admit that I have also often trouble coming up with the correct word, because I'm often missing the information if it's a common word or a rather unusual one.

Answers · 3

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