Langenscheidt's Pocket Dictionary Japanese/English

LANGENSCHEIDT ROCKS This is a wonderful dictionary, perfect for a westerner. I also own Chinese, and it is as easy to use as this one. This japanese version comes with blue headwords, makes it even faster to look up and use. this little guy is built to last and even get under the rain! love my langenscheidt. A MUST BUY

This dictionary is just fantastic! Not only is the Japanese-English half extensive and easy to use, but the English-Japanese half is astounding with the number of words they have! A definate must-have for someone serious on studying the language.

Sometime back, I picked up the "want" to learn about the Japanese culture and language. So to get myself started, I bought this handle little dictionary. Now, while it is not precisely pocket size (or mayhaps my pockets are too small), it's size is still convenient, especially when you consider all of the content. It has a complete listing of Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Each word is spelled out in romanji as well as the characters. A rather in depth Japanese - English dictionary as well as vice-versa. Now, while not a complete source for all words, it is more then you can expect from a dictionary this size. 5 Stars.

I cannot praise this fine compact dictionary enough. I've owned or used a number of Japanese-English-Japanese dictionaries and have not been satisfied with any of them - all failed in some area: lack of vocabulary, romaji only(no kanji), few phrases, lack of sub-definitions, too large, too small, poor printing or binding, or they were outdated This dictionary has no failings. It's compact but has a wealth of vocabulary (even some "naughty" words)- forty thousand references; listings are in romaji with kanji or kana; each entry is further defined and clarified if needed (so you know exactly which word you are using or need); the 1945 jouyou kanji are arranged in a stroke count table at the front of the dictionary for easy reference (there is also the usual kana page); there is a numbers & dates page at the back; the book is bound with a sturdy plastic & paper cover; the pages are easy to turn and the text is crisp & pleasing with a nice contrast.The dictionary uses American English. The vocabulary is up-to-date: page 615, surf 2 v/t:~the Net "netto safin o suru"...junk mail... There are many idioms and example phrases. This compact dictionary is a great success and will surely be helpful to all students & users of Japanese. And unlike other compact dictionaries, it is both portable and helpful in its breadth of detail. I'd buy one for myself again, and for others, too.