The Kanji Dictionary

by Mark Spahn, Wolfgang Hadamitzky

"There is no doubt that [The Kanji Dictionary] is a substantial, scholarly work an further confirmation of the considerable contribution that Spahn and Hadamitzky have made to Japanese language materials."—Japan Forum

The Kanji Dicitonary makes the Japanese written language more accessible than ever before.

This is the only kanji dictionary of its kind to employ a revolutionary multiple–reference compound system. Every kanji compound, a word or phrase made up of two or more characters, is listed under each of its components characters. This unique, time–saving feature makes finding compounds fast and easy. Entries are arranged according to a radical based reference system, similar to that used in most other dictionaries, but is has been simplified to make it easier to learn and use. Also, the comprehensive on/kun readings index and handy radical "overview lists" provide further means to find an entry. The focus of this reference work is kanji compounds, and the more than 47,000 entries in the main text include the most common and most important terms and expressions currently in use. The addition of newly coined terms, particularly those in new technical fields, is another key feature.

-Features over 47,000 entries with an emphasis on current expressions
-Arranged for search from any kanji in a compound
-Contains a complete on/kun (Chinese/Japanese) reading index
-Includes and easy–to–use radical guide
-Provides appendices of counters, historical periods, common Japanese surnames, etc.

Genres: Japanese Literature, Reference, Language

1768 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 1996

About the author

Mark Spahn has worked in Japan as a teacher, computer magazine writer, programmer, and translator. He is currently a technical translator and consultant. He is the coauthor with Wolfgang Hadamitzky of The Learner’s Japanese Kanji Dictionary, The Kanji Dictionary and A Guide to Writing Kanji & Kana Books 1 and 2.

Reviews

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book 15 years ago for my undergrad degree long before the internet was in full swing. I found it be much easier to use than the Nelson dictionary and my denshi jisho (Canon brand electronic kanji dictionary). Today there are many amazing online tools (Jim Breen) and apps that make looking up kanji so much easier. Thank goodness I waited a few years till I started my masters in Japanese Lit. I will always cherish my big yellow Kanji Dictionary.

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from the complete and comprehensive kanji list, this will also helpful to grow your muscle. It is unbelievably heavy and could be used as self-defense weapon occasionally.

[Eisah Eisah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I invested in this dictionary a decade or so ago, when I first started learning Japanese. I have never needed to buy another dictionary. Even now, when I have computer programs that will look up kanji by their radicals, it's still useful because the programs don't always show every variation of a kanji.

I don't use it often anymore because looking up kanji on the computer is faster, but when I do need it it's a real life saver. So much so that I don't think I'll ever get rid of this dictionary. I love how easy it is to use, I love how much information it has and I love that it will show each kanji and the different ways the same kanji can be written. I don't think there's ever been a time when I was trying to find a kanji in this dictionary that I was unable to.

If you're learning Japanese and plan on keeping up with it I highly recommend you buy this book.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

there was a gold covered one
with with a red stripe on the left
and a orange stripe on the right

looked much nicer than the yellowish Langenschiedt eye-grabber cover

[an]

pengen baca ni buku.