Translation guide
A reference book that lists and explains Chinese characters, including their meanings, readings, and usage. In Japanese, this is typically called a 漢和辞典 (kanwa jiten), but other terms exist depending on the scope and audience.
漢和辞典
dictionary of Chinese characters
Most common term for a Japanese dictionary focusing on Chinese characters and their Japanese readings/meanings.
A dictionary that explains Chinese characters, typically giving on'yomi, kun'yomi, meanings, and compounds. Used by Japanese speakers.
Standard term for a dictionary that lists Chinese characters and explains their Japanese readings, meanings, and usage. 'Kanwa' means 'Chinese-Japanese'.
この漢和辞典はとても詳しい。
This dictionary of Chinese characters is very detailed.
Literally 'kanji dictionary'. Often used interchangeably with 漢和辞典, but may focus more on the characters themselves rather than classical Chinese usage.
小学生向けの漢字辞典を買った。
I bought a kanji dictionary for elementary school students.
A more formal or older term for a kanji dictionary. Less common in everyday speech.
古い漢字典を図書館で見つけた。
I found an old kanji dictionary at the library.
A dictionary for learning Chinese characters as used in Chinese (Mandarin, etc.), not Japanese.
General Chinese language dictionary, which includes characters. Use this when referring to a Chinese dictionary for Chinese learners.
中国語辞典で漢字の意味を調べる。
I look up the meaning of Chinese characters in a Chinese dictionary.
Can also refer to a Chinese character dictionary for Chinese, but context is needed. Often used for Japanese kanji dictionaries.
Ambiguous; may be interpreted as a Japanese kanji dictionary. Use 中国語辞典 for clarity.
中国語の漢字字典を探しています。
I'm looking for a Chinese character dictionary for Chinese.
Dictionaries focusing on etymology, ancient forms, or calligraphy.
An older term for a character dictionary, often used for classical or historical works like the Shuowen Jiezi.
『説文解字』は最古の字書の一つだ。
The Shuowen Jiezi is one of the oldest character dictionaries.
A dictionary focusing on Chinese words (compounds) rather than individual characters, but may be used in academic contexts.
漢語字典で熟語の成り立ちを調べる。
I research the origins of compounds in a Chinese word dictionary.
漢和辞典 (kanwa jiten) emphasizes the relationship between Chinese characters and Japanese language, often including classical Chinese readings and extensive compound lists. 漢字辞典 (kanji jiten) is a broader term and may be simpler, focusing on character lookup and basic meanings. In practice, they overlap significantly.
字典 (jiten) traditionally refers to character dictionaries, while 辞典 (jiten) refers to word dictionaries. However, in modern usage, 辞典 is more common for both, and 字典 can sound old-fashioned or specialized.