A dictionary giving the meaning of combinations of kanji and
words that were transmitted to Japan from China during ancient
times. Especially useful for looking up the meaning of unknown
kanji.
Characters in a 漢和辞典 are classified according to the element
that is most influential in their composition. Kanji that use
the same element are subdivided according to the number of strokes
needed to write them.
When faced with an unknown kanji you should pick the element
that is most central to the composition, count the total number
of strokes and check under the subdivision for that stroke number
in the section for that element. If you know the character's
pronunciation it is easier to look it up in the index which
follows the hiragana order.
国語辞典
(koku-go-ji-ten) Japanese Dictionary
Useful for looking up unknown words, symbols and expressions.
Entries in Japanese dictionaries are arranged according to the
50 hiragana symbols. Words are first spelled out in hiragana,
then the appropriate kanji is given and the meaning follows.
Some dictionaries give examples of use as well as synonyms.
類語辞典
(rui-go-ji-ten) Thesaurus
This kind of dictionary lists words along with their synonyms
and gives an explanation of the differences in nuance.
ことわざ事典
(ko-to-wa-za-ji-ten) Dictionary of Proverbs
The Japanese language is rich proverbs and anecdotes that been
handed down over many centuries. This kind of dictionary explains
the origin, meaning and use of proverbs.
古語辞典
(ko-go-ji-ten) Dictionary of Archaic Words
The Japanese language has undergone many changes over the centuries.
New words have entered, old ones have changed and many have
disappeared. This kind of dictionary is useful when reading
old manuscripts and source material.
辞典と事典 辞典 (ji-ten) vs. 事典
(ji-ten)
A 辞典 is a dictionary. It lists words in a set order and gives
their explanation, pronunciation and use. Other words for dictionaries
are 辞書 (ji-sho) and 字典(ji-ten). On the other hand, a 事典 is an
encyclopedia. It lists the names of people and things in a set
order and gives information concerning them.