A Kodansha Dictionary: The Kodansha Kanji Learner's Dictionary

More about the book

This kanji dictionary is designed for beginning and intermediate learners, offering a portable yet comprehensive resource. It aims to provide a deep understanding of kanji through instant access to essential information on meanings, readings, and compounds. A standout feature is the core meaning, a concise keyword that captures the primary sense of each character, accompanied by detailed meanings and numerous compounds that illustrate how these building blocks form various words. Additionally, the System of Kanji Indexing by Patterns (SKIP) allows users to locate characters quickly and accurately, akin to alphabetical dictionaries. This integration of modern linguistic theory and advanced technology results in a highly effective learning tool. Learners benefit from a wealth of linguistically accurate and user-friendly information tailored to their needs. Key features include 2,230 entry characters from the Joyo and Jinmei Kanji lists, 41,000 senses for 31,300 words showing character contributions to compound meanings, and 1,200 homophones with core meanings to clarify closely related characters. The dictionary also includes 386 variant forms from prewar literature, 1,945 stroke order diagrams for writing each kanji, 7,200 character readings, and over 2,000 cross-references along with five appendixes for quick access to valuable reference data.