A dictionary is an indispensable tool for understanding and learning Chinese characters and words.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A reference book for Chinese characters.
- Helps learn meaning, pronunciation, and usage.
- Essential tool for Chinese learners.
Overview
字典（zìdiǎn）是汉语中非常重要的词汇学习工具，主要用于查询单个汉字或词语的意义、读音、笔画、部首、组词以及相关的用法。它不仅是初学者学习汉字的基础，也是中高级学习者查阅生词、巩固知识的常用工具。现代字典的形式多样，包括纸质字典和电子字典（如手机APP或在线词典）。
在学习和使用汉语时，字典的使用非常普遍。当遇到不认识的字或不确定的词语时，人们会查阅字典。例如，在阅读文章、写作文、进行翻译或日常交流中，都可以通过字典来获取准确的信息。它还可以帮助纠正发音错误，了解词语的细微差别。
学习汉语的课堂、图书馆、书房是纸质字典的常见场所。在现代社会，手机或电脑上的电子字典则更加普及，几乎可以在任何有网络连接的地方使用。学生、教师、翻译、作家以及任何对汉语感兴趣的人都是字典的常用者。
与“词典”（cídiǎn）相比，“字典”更侧重于单个汉字的解释，而“词典”则更侧重于词语（由两个或多个汉字组成）的解释和用法。虽然在日常口语中有时会混用，但严格来说，“字典”是“词典”的一种，或者说，现代的“词典”通常也包含了“字典”的功能，即对单个汉字的解释。例如，查“木”这个字，用“字典”最合适；查“木头”这个词，用“词典”更准确，但很多现代词典也能查到“木”的解释。
Examples
我不认识这个字，需要查一下字典。
everydayI don't recognize this character, I need to look it up in the dictionary.
请准备一本最新的汉语字典，以便随时查阅。
formalPlease prepare the latest Chinese dictionary for consultation at any time.
有什么不明白的，随时翻翻字典呗。
informalIf there's anything you don't understand, just flip through the dictionary anytime.
该研究依赖于对古代文献的详尽字典释义。
academicThis research relies on detailed dictionary explanations of ancient texts.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
查字典
to look up in a dictionary
翻字典
to flip through a dictionary
必备字典
essential dictionary
Often Confused With
'Zidian' (字典) primarily focuses on individual Chinese characters, explaining their form, pronunciation, and meaning. 'Cidian' (词典) focuses on words (combinations of characters) and their usage. Modern dictionaries often encompass both functions.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '字典' (zìdiǎn) is a fundamental noun for anyone learning Chinese. It refers specifically to a book or resource for looking up characters. While '词典' (cídiǎn) is often used interchangeably in casual speech, '字典' is more precise when focusing on individual characters. It's a neutral term suitable for most contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '字典' (zìdiǎn) with '词典' (cídiǎn). Remember that '字典' is character-focused, while '词典' is word-focused, although modern resources often blend these.
Tips
Look Up Unfamiliar Characters
When you encounter a character you don't know, use a dictionary to find its meaning and pronunciation.
Explore Word Meanings and Usage
Don't just look up the definition; check example sentences and related words to understand context.
Distinguish Dictionary vs. Lexicon
While often used interchangeably, 'zidian' focuses on characters, 'cidian' on words. Modern tools often combine both.
A Tool of Scholarship
Dictionaries have a long history in Chinese culture, reflecting a deep respect for written language and knowledge.
Word Origin
The character '字' (zì) originally depicted a child or offspring, later evolving to mean character or word. '典' (diǎn) means canon, classic, or statute, implying a reference standard. Together, '字典' signifies a standard reference for characters.
Cultural Context
Dictionaries are highly valued in Chinese culture as repositories of knowledge and tools for literacy. Access to and mastery of written Chinese, facilitated by dictionaries, has historically been linked to scholarship and social status.
Memory Tip
Think of '字' (zì) as 'character' and '典' (diǎn) as 'classic' or 'collection'. So, a dictionary is a collection of character classics.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“字典”主要解释单个汉字，包括字形、读音、意义等。“词典”则主要解释词语（由两个或以上汉字组成）的意义、用法和搭配。现代很多词典也包含了字典的功能。
中文有数千个汉字，每个字都有其独特的读音和意义。字典是学习和掌握这些汉字及词语最系统、最可靠的工具，能帮助准确理解和使用中文。
主要有纸质字典和电子字典。电子字典又包括电脑软件、手机应用程序（APP）和在线词典网站，使用起来更加便捷。
查阅时不仅要看意思，还要注意发音、例句和组词。可以尝试每天学习几个新字或新词，并用它们造句，加深记忆。
Test Yourself
学习汉字，离不开一本好的______。
句子描述的是学习汉字时需要的一个工具书，‘字典’是最合适的词。
字典主要用来做什么？
字典的核心功能是提供汉字和词语的解释、读音等信息。
请选择最符合语境的句子。
这个句子清晰地展示了“字典”作为查词工具的用途。
Score: /3
Summary
A dictionary is an indispensable tool for understanding and learning Chinese characters and words.
- A reference book for Chinese characters.
- Helps learn meaning, pronunciation, and usage.
- Essential tool for Chinese learners.
Look Up Unfamiliar Characters
When you encounter a character you don't know, use a dictionary to find its meaning and pronunciation.
Explore Word Meanings and Usage
Don't just look up the definition; check example sentences and related words to understand context.
Distinguish Dictionary vs. Lexicon
While often used interchangeably, 'zidian' focuses on characters, 'cidian' on words. Modern tools often combine both.
A Tool of Scholarship
Dictionaries have a long history in Chinese culture, reflecting a deep respect for written language and knowledge.
Examples
4 of 4我不认识这个字，需要查一下字典。
I don't recognize this character, I need to look it up in the dictionary.
请准备一本最新的汉语字典，以便随时查阅。
Please prepare the latest Chinese dictionary for consultation at any time.
有什么不明白的，随时翻翻字典呗。
If there's anything you don't understand, just flip through the dictionary anytime.
该研究依赖于对古代文献的详尽字典释义。
This research relies on detailed dictionary explanations of ancient texts.
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