What is 字引?
字引 (じびき) is a traditional Japanese word for a dictionary, especially one used to look up kanji characters and their meanings. It is often used in educational contexts, particularly for children learning kanji.
Usage and Context
This word is somewhat formal and literary compared to the more common カタカナ word "辞書" (じしょ), but both mean "dictionary." 字引 often implies a physical book rather than an electronic dictionary.
Common Collocations
- 字引で調べる: to look up in a dictionary
- 字引の使い方: how to use a dictionary
- 古い字引: an old dictionary
These phrases are useful when talking about studying, reading, or language learning.
Tips for Learners
When you hear 字引, think of a physical dictionary used for kanji lookup. It is less common in casual conversation but appears in school or formal learning contexts. Avoid confusing it with 辞書 (じしょ), which is more general and widely used for any dictionary.
Remember that 字引 is a noun and usually appears with verbs like 調べる (to look up) or 習う (to learn).