A dictionary is a comprehensive reference book that explains words and their meanings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A comprehensive book explaining words and their meanings.
- Essential tool for language learning and reference.
- Provides spelling, pronunciation, and usage details.
Overview
辞典（cídiǎn）是现代汉语中一个非常基础且重要的词汇，指的是一本包含了大量词语，并对这些词语进行系统性解释、分类和整理的书籍。它不仅仅是简单地列出词语，更重要的是提供了关于词语的详细信息，如词语的拼写、读音、词义、用法、词源，有时甚至包括例句、同义词、反义词等。辞典是学习者、研究者以及普通读者在遇到不认识的词语或需要深入了解某个词语时，最常查阅的工具书。
“辞典”一词通常用作名词，指代一本具体的工具书。在句子中，它常常作为介词“的”的宾语，表示“某某的辞典”，例如“我的学习辞典”、“这本英汉辞典”。它也可以作为主语或宾语，例如“这本辞典很有用”或“我需要一本新的辞典”。在使用时，人们通常会根据辞典的类型（如英汉辞典、汉汉辞典、成语辞典）或特点（如学生辞典、古籍辞典）来具体指明。
辞典最常出现的场景是在学习和教育环境中。学生在学校里需要使用辞典来学习新词汇、理解课文。在图书馆、书店，辞典也是非常常见的工具书。此外，在翻译、写作、编辑等工作中，辞典也是必不可少的参考资料。日常生活中，当人们在阅读报纸、书籍或网络文章时遇到生词，也会习惯性地查阅辞典。
与“辞典”相似的词语包括“词典”（cídǐan）、“字典”（zìdiǎn）和“词汇表”（cíhuìbiǎo）。“词典”和“辞典”在现代汉语中几乎可以通用，都指收录词语并解释的书籍，但“辞典”有时更强调其全面性和系统性，可能包含更丰富的语言信息。“字典”则更侧重于解释汉字的字义、字形、读音等，通常以字为单位进行编排，而“词典/辞典”是以词语为单位。“词汇表”通常是按照特定主题或教材的顺序排列的词语列表，其解释和信息量远不如辞典。
Examples
遇到不认识的字词，我都会查查我的随身辞典。
everydayWhen I encounter unfamiliar characters or words, I always look them up in my pocket dictionary.
这本《现代汉语词典》是语言研究者必备的工具书。
academicThis 'Modern Chinese Dictionary' is an essential reference book for language researchers.
你有没有一本成语辞典？我想查一下这个成语的意思。
informalDo you have an idiom dictionary? I want to look up the meaning of this idiom.
该大学图书馆收藏了大量古籍辞典，为研究提供了宝贵资料。
formalThe university library houses a vast collection of ancient dictionaries, providing valuable resources for research.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一本辞典
a dictionary
随身辞典
pocket dictionary
查字典/辞典
look up in a dictionary
Often Confused With
A '字典' (dictionary) primarily focuses on individual Chinese characters, explaining their meaning, pronunciation, and form. A '辞典' (cídiǎn) focuses on words and phrases, providing definitions, usage, and often etymology.
'词典' and '辞典' are often used interchangeably in modern Chinese. However, '辞典' might sometimes imply a more comprehensive or specialized collection compared to a general '词典'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '辞典' is generally neutral to formal. It is widely understood and used across various contexts, from academic research to everyday learning. When referring to specific types, like '英汉辞典' (English-Chinese dictionary), it becomes more specific.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '辞典' (word dictionary) with '字典' (character dictionary). Remember that '辞典' deals with words and phrases, while '字典' focuses on individual characters. Using '词汇表' (vocabulary list) for a full dictionary is also incorrect.
Tips
Use dictionaries actively
Don't just look up words; try to understand the examples and related information provided. Use it regularly to build your vocabulary.
Beware of outdated dictionaries
Language evolves. Ensure your dictionary is reasonably up-to-date, especially for rapidly changing fields or slang.
Respect for written knowledge
In Chinese culture, dictionaries are highly respected as repositories of knowledge. Treating them with care reflects this cultural value.
Word Origin
The word '辞典' (cídiǎn) is composed of '词' (cí), meaning 'word' or 'term', and '典' (diǎn), meaning 'canon', 'code', 'classic', or 'reference book'. Together, they signify a systematic collection or reference work for words.
Cultural Context
Dictionaries are seen as important tools for preserving and transmitting knowledge in Chinese culture. Owning and consulting dictionaries signifies a commitment to learning and intellectual pursuit.
Memory Tip
Think of '辞典' as a 'collection of words' (词) that are 'systematically arranged' (典). The character '典' implies a classic or systematic collection, fitting for a comprehensive dictionary.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions在现代汉语中，“辞典”和“词典”通常可以通用，都指收录词语并加以解释的书籍。但有时，“辞典”可能更强调其内容的全面性和系统性，包含更广泛的语言信息。
“字典”主要解释汉字的字义、字形、读音等，以字为基本单位。“辞典”则以词语为基本单位，解释词语的意义、用法、搭配等，内容通常比字典更侧重于词汇的运用。
这取决于你的学习目的。如果你是初学者，可以选择一本基础的汉英或汉汉辞典。如果你在学习特定领域（如文学、科技），可以寻找相应的专业辞典。
现在有很多电子辞典、手机App辞典和在线辞典。它们通常具有检索速度快、内容更新及时、功能多样（如发音、例句）等优点。
Test Yourself
我需要一本英汉______来学习英语单词。
这里需要一个指代收录词语并解释的书籍的词语，‘辞典’是最合适的选项。
以下哪个选项最能描述“辞典”的功能？
辞典的核心功能是解释词语的意义和用法，并提供相关信息，选项b最符合这一描述。
请选择最符合逻辑的句子。
选项a的语序是主语+谓语+宾语，结构完整，表达清晰。
Score: /3
Summary
A dictionary is a comprehensive reference book that explains words and their meanings.
- A comprehensive book explaining words and their meanings.
- Essential tool for language learning and reference.
- Provides spelling, pronunciation, and usage details.
Use dictionaries actively
Don't just look up words; try to understand the examples and related information provided. Use it regularly to build your vocabulary.
Beware of outdated dictionaries
Language evolves. Ensure your dictionary is reasonably up-to-date, especially for rapidly changing fields or slang.
Respect for written knowledge
In Chinese culture, dictionaries are highly respected as repositories of knowledge. Treating them with care reflects this cultural value.
Examples
4 of 4遇到不认识的字词，我都会查查我的随身辞典。
When I encounter unfamiliar characters or words, I always look them up in my pocket dictionary.
这本《现代汉语词典》是语言研究者必备的工具书。
This 'Modern Chinese Dictionary' is an essential reference book for language researchers.
你有没有一本成语辞典？我想查一下这个成语的意思。
Do you have an idiom dictionary? I want to look up the meaning of this idiom.
该大学图书馆收藏了大量古籍辞典，为研究提供了宝贵资料。
The university library houses a vast collection of ancient dictionaries, providing valuable resources for research.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
