phrase book
Noun: A small book or collection that lists common, useful expressions, questions, and sentences in a foreign language, each paired with a translation into the user's native language. It is designed for quick reference, typically by travelers or beginners, to facilitate basic communication.
A phrase book is used as a practical tool for learning and communication. It is not a comprehensive language textbook but a portable guide for specific situations. - Primary Use: To look up and pronounce essential phrases for travel, shopping, dining, or emergencies in a foreign country. - Typical Users: Tourists, business travelers, and language learners at a beginner level.
- As a direct object:
- I bought a Spanish phrase book before my trip to Madrid.
- She consulted her phrase book to ask for directions to the train station.
- As a subject:
- The phrase book was incredibly helpful for ordering food at the local market.
- With a possessive:
- His well-worn phrase book contained notes in the margins.
- Digital Phrase Books: The concept extends to mobile applications and digital files that serve the same purpose as traditional printed books.
- I downloaded a phrase book app that has audio pronunciations for each entry.
- Specialized Phrase Books: Some are tailored for specific professions or interests, such as medical, business, or hiking phrase books.
- The doctor carried a medical phrase book to communicate with patients abroad.
- Phrasebook: A common alternative spelling, written as one word.
- Travel Guide: A broader book that may include cultural information, maps, and phrase sections, but is not solely a phrase book.
- Dictionary: A comprehensive reference work for words and their meanings, not specifically organized for conversational phrases.
- Glossary: A list of specialized terms with definitions, usually found at the end of a book.
- Conversation guide
- Language guide
- Expression manual
(Note: "Phrase book" itself is a compound noun and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions. The following are related contextual phrases.) - To be a walking phrase book: Used informally to describe someone who has memorized many useful phrases in a foreign language. - After three months in Italy, he was like a walking phrase book. - Living phrase book: Similar to the above, implying the person is a reliable source for common expressions. - Ask Maria for help; she's a living phrase book when it comes to French greetings.
-
a book containing common expressions in a foreign language along with their translations
