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7 Best Japanese-English Electronic Dictionaries in 2022 (Sharp, Casio, and More)
If you’ve been studying Japanese for long enough, you’ve probably considered investing in a Japanese-English electronic dictionary. Ubiquitous in Japan and full of more (and better) resources than you could ever have on your phone, it makes sense to have one if you’re serious about your study. But with so many models each with different functionalities, it can be hard to pick one out.
We did the research and compiled a list of the top 7 best Japanese-English electronic dictionaries. For a well-rounded device that's great for learners, we recommend Sharp's Color Electronic Dictionary Brain High School Model. Aimed at students, it contains a wide range of topics as well as study tools to help with memorization. See the rest of our picks below. And if you're having trouble deciding, our buying guide is full of tips and information to help you out.
- Last updated: 08-18-2022
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Japanese-English Electronic Dictionary - Buying Guide
Because there are so many different functions on a Japanese-English electronic dictionary, we figured it’d be most practical to pick out the most important ones and talk about them one by one.
Pay Attention to the Included Dictionaries
Depending on your level of Japanese, you may want to have multiple different dictionaries available for you to reference. Different dictionaries will have different numbers of entries, making some options more thorough than others.
Different Dictionaries for Different Types of Translation
Electronic dictionaries include multiple dictionaries and will often specify the maker. For Japanese-English translation, keep an eye out for Kenkyusha’s Shinwaeijiten, which is one of the most thorough dictionaries available. New Progressive and Kodansha are also good options.
For English-Japanese translation, the Randomhouse Daijiten, Genius Daijiten, and The Modern Reader’s Dictionary are among the best you can find.
For Japanese-Japanese lookup, Daijiten and Daijisen are some of the most thorough, but Koujien and Meikyou are also good options.
Specialized Dictionaries for Specific Needs
If you’re focused on studying kanji, look to see if the dictionary has the Kanji Kentei Kanji Jiten, which is the standard for the Kanji Kentei Exam. Depending on your goals, it might be helpful to have dictionaries that cover idioms and sayings as well.
There are also dictionaries that specialize in business terms, medical terms, formal and written Japanese, student learning, and more. Many electronic dictionaries allow you to purchase additional dictionaries as add-ons.
Look for Handwriting Input for Easy Kanji Lookup
Instead of scrolling through lists of radicals or guessing at readings, wouldn’t it be easier just to write the word? Many electronic dictionaries have touchpads where you can input characters by hand, saving you time and energy.
See if There's a “Jump” Functionality for Quick Tangents
Some electronic dictionaries have a function called “jump,” which allows you to select words from within definitions and look those up. This is a super convenient feature, especially if you’re looking up high-level Japanese or are not fully comfortable with the language yet.
Check for Flashcard Apps for Focused Study
Aside from just acting as a reference, some electronic dictionaries also allow you to create flashcard lists to study from the words you look up. While these aren’t as sophisticated as the spaced repetition flashcard apps on your phone, it’s a great way to get some distraction-free studying in.
There are plenty of electronic dictionaries aimed specifically at students, which tend to have more built-in study tools.
7 Best Japanese-English Electronic Dictionaries
Here are our favorite Japanese-English electronic dictionaries for students, professionals, and more!
| Image | 1  Sharp | 2  Casio | 3  Sharp | 4  Sharp | 5  Sharp | 6  Canon | 7  Casio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Color Electronic Dictionary Brain High School Model | Ex-word Electronic Dictionary | Compact Electronic Dictionary Brain | Touch Panel Japanese Electronic Dictionary | Japanese Electronic Dictionary Brain Model | WordTank | Electronic Dictionary Medical Model |
| Features | Talk, Listen, Write, and Read | A Dictionary With Resources for Reading Practice | Quick Translations for Travelers | A Health-Focused Electronic Dictionary | Great for Japanese High School Students | For Simple Word Lookup Only | For Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Professionals |
| Price | $256.12 | $578.11 | $162.23 | $350.82 | $114.78 | $49.00 | $1,304.97 |
| Included dictionaries | Not provided | 170 | Not provided | 100 (Meikyou, Genius, and more) | 165 (Shinmeikai, Meikyou, and more) | 6 | 8 |
| Handwriting | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Jump | Not provided | No | No | No | No | No | Not provided |
| Study tools | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Link |
1
SharpColor Electronic Dictionary Brain High School Model
PW-SH6-W
$256.12
| Included dictionaries | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Handwriting | Yes |
| Jump | Not provided |
| Study tools | Yes |
2
CasioEx-word Electronic Dictionary
XD-K4800WE
$578.11
| Included dictionaries | 170 |
|---|---|
| Handwriting | Yes |
| Jump | No |
| Study tools | Yes |
3
SharpCompact Electronic Dictionary Brain
PW-NA1-B
$162.23
| Included dictionaries | Not provided |
|---|---|
| Handwriting | No |
| Jump | No |
| Study tools | No |
4
SharpTouch Panel Japanese Electronic Dictionary
PW-A7300-G
$350.82
| Included dictionaries | 100 (Meikyou, Genius, and more) |
|---|---|
| Handwriting | Yes |
| Jump | No |
| Study tools | No |
5
SharpJapanese Electronic Dictionary Brain Model
PW-G5300-A
$114.78
| Included dictionaries | 165 (Shinmeikai, Meikyou, and more) |
|---|---|
| Handwriting | Yes |
| Jump | No |
| Study tools | No |
7
CasioElectronic Dictionary Medical Model
XD – G5900MED
$1,304.97
| Included dictionaries | 8 |
|---|---|
| Handwriting | Yes |
| Jump | Not provided |
| Study tools | No |
How to Make the Most of Your Japanese-English Electronic Dictionary
In this age of smartphones, it might seem redundant to have an electronic dictionary. However, once you become comfortable using it, you may find that it's better than a phone for translations and definitions! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your electronic dictionary.
First of all, it's a great tool for when you need to focus. Because an electronic dictionary is basically just a dictionary, it’s a lot harder to get distracted. Use it at work, while you’re studying, or in class.
Secondly, get comfortable with the keyboard. Once you get the hang of typing your searches, you’ll likely find that it’s much faster to type on an actual keyboard input than on a touchscreen.
Brush Up on Your Language Skills
Whether you're trying to learn a new language or are looking to improve your current skills, it never hurts to get better at communicating. Check out more of our favorite products for language learning below.
By Jacqueline Oshiro
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