Recommended Chinese-English Dictionaries for Students

Essential Chinese-English dictionaries: A list for students in Singapore

Chinese-English dictionaries play a vital role in assisting students in Singapore in their journey to understand and learn the complexities of both languages. In this article, we will explore the most commonly used dictionaries by primary and secondary school students in Singapore. These dictionaries not only provide comprehensive definitions and examples but also serve as reliable references for translation. Whether you're a student or a language enthusiast, choosing the right dictionary can greatly enhance your language learning experience.

In Singapore, the most commonly used Chinese-English dictionaries by Primary and secondary school students include:

1. "新编汉英词典" (Xīn biān hàn yīn cí diǎn) - This dictionary is recommended by the Singapore Ministry of Education for secondary school students. It covers common vocabulary and example sentences, providing Chinese and English definitions and pronunciations.

2. "新加坡高级华文词典" (Xīn jiā pō gāo jí huá wén cí diǎn) - This is an advanced Chinese dictionary specifically designed for secondary school students. It includes a wider range of vocabulary and comprehensive definitions.

3. "新加坡牛津高级华文词典" (Xīn jiā pō niú jīn gāo jí huá wén cí diǎn) - This dictionary is a collaborative effort between the Singapore Ministry of Education and Oxford University Press. It provides detailed Chinese and English definitions, example sentences, and annotations.

4. "汉英双解词典" (Hàn yīn shuāng jiě cí diǎn) - This is a common Chinese-English bilingual dictionary suitable for students studying and translating Chinese and English content.

These dictionaries are recognised and widely used tools that assist Primary and secondary school students in understanding and learning Chinese and English vocabulary. It's worth noting that the specific choice of dictionary may vary depending on the school, textbooks, and individual preferences. Before making a decision on which dictionary to get, it is advisable to consult the SEAB-approved list of dictionaries for the year 2023. This will provide you with valuable guidance in selecting the most suitable dictionary for your needs.

Commonly used Chinese-English dictionaries outside the Chinese market

Here are some commonly used and widely recommended Chinese-English dictionaries outside of the Chinese market:

1. Oxford Chinese Dictionary: This authoritative Chinese-English dictionary provides a wide range of vocabulary and examples, along with detailed definitions and usage explanations.

2. Collins Mandarin Chinese Dictionary: This dictionary offers a rich collection of Chinese-English vocabulary and phrases, accompanied by examples and commonly used expressions, suitable for learners and users.

3. Longman Chinese-English Dictionary: This dictionary provides extensive vocabulary and phrases, including current slang and specialised terminology, along with detailed definitions and usage explanations.

4. Far East English-Chinese/Chinese-English Dictionary: This is a classic bilingual dictionary suitable for learners and users, containing a large number of vocabulary and examples.

5. Cambridge English-Chinese (Simplified) Dictionary: This dictionary provides concise Chinese-English vocabulary and phrases, accompanied by examples and commonly used expressions, suitable for learners and users.

These dictionaries serve as reliable references for Chinese-English translation and are widely recommended and used by learners and users. Choosing a dictionary that suits your specific needs and preferences can greatly assist in learning and understanding the correspondence between Chinese and English.