Need English Japanese electronic dictionary...?

Question

I need to purchase an English to Japanese electronic dictionary so that I can communicate a little bit when I travel to Japan. Just basic conversation will do.

Can anyone recommend a good one?
Thanks.

Answer 1

If you are looking for a basic conversation..get a cheaper one..you can try the multi-lingual e-dictionary if you travel from different countries.. also having a handy pocket dictionary works better because it has selections of any conversations you wanted to use in particular places, occasions, situations etc.
If you are in Japan, you can buy at airport duty free or electronic shop, choose the one that would be easier for you.
Mostly it is word by word.. so you will be having difficulty later. so try the cheaper one if you only need to try for short stays, then if this works..you can choose the one you really need to, try to get a bigger screen e-dictionary like Sharp pw9700.. you could atleast have basic knowledge of katakana or hiragana.
There are many e-dictionaries that you can choose from depends on your budget and purpose.Also,there are many ways you can express yourself, by gesture or simply saying the word slowly..
I have one e-dictionary, I bought last year for about 500 yen, just for basic use (good price) for kanji practice..for so many models that I got confuse which one to buy..so I decided to get the cheapest one and still works and no headache.. yes, it has kanji writings too,. Laptops will do great every trip anyways by searching website translations if you have one for travel.
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Answer 2

I love my electronic dictionary. They're great!

You don't need one for a short trip, unless you want to show off.

I hate to sound like my grandpa, but a book is better for your needs.
A good phrasebook is easier to "learn", common entries are grouped together. If you can find the "Point and Speak" phrasebook, get it. Even if you buy an electronic dictionary, it makes a great, easy backup plan. And it's cheap. Maybe $20 max.

I've been studying Japanese for 5 years, and it still takes me from 15 seconds to 2 minutes to look up a single word (and confirm it's the one I want) on an electronic dictionary, depending on context. I'm much faster with a paper dictionary, except it isn't comprehensive enough for my translation work.

An illustrated phrasebook will also help you read some of the Japanese writing. In a restaurant, open to the food page, and match the symbols. You'll never be able to "look up" written Japanese in a dictionary without taking a class in Japanese. A picture book gives you at least a chance.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I recommend a phrase book like Lonely Planet's or a pocket dictionary like Random House's.

Sometimes the electronic dictionaries, even one's by companies like Sony, have bizarre entries.

Answer 4

I personally think that it's better to buy a smartphone and install dictionary app in these days.

Answer 5

The Canon Word Tank is excellent, but there are less expensive ones if you just need one for traveling.