tự điển
Definition
- Noun:
- Dictionary: A reference book or electronic resource that lists words of a language (or of a particular field) in alphabetical order and provides their meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, or translations. This is the primary and most common meaning.
- Lexicon: A complete set of words or the vocabulary of a language, a person, a branch of knowledge, or a particular subject.
Usage Notes
- The word "tự điển" is an older, classical term for "dictionary" in Vietnamese. In modern usage, the word "từ điển" is far more common and standard. "Tự điển" is now considered archaic but may still be encountered in historical contexts, classical literature, or in the titles of older reference works.
- It functions exclusively as a noun.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông ấy sưu tầm những cuốn tự điển cổ. (He collects old dictionaries.)
- "Khang Hy Tự Điển" là một tác phẩm nổi tiếng. ("The Kangxi Dictionary" is a famous work.)
- Tôi cần tra nghĩa của từ này trong tự điển. (I need to look up the meaning of this word in the dictionary.)
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Formal Context: The term is used to refer to specific, historically significant dictionaries, often from the Chinese literary tradition adapted into Vietnamese.
- Các nhà nghiên cứu Hán Nôm thường xuyên tham khảo các bản tự điển này. (Researchers of Hán-Nôm often consult these classical dictionaries.)
Variants and Related Words
Từ điển (n): The modern, standard Vietnamese word for "dictionary."
- Từ điển Anh-Việt (English-Vietnamese dictionary)
Tự vị (n, archaic): Another archaic synonym for dictionary, less common than "tự điển."
Synonyms
- Dictionary: A book listing words with explanations.
- Lexicon: The vocabulary of a language or a wordbook.
- Wordbook: A dictionary or glossary.
Related Terms
- Bách khoa toàn thư (n): Encyclopedia (a set of books giving information on many subjects, not to be confused with a word dictionary).
- Danh mục (n): Catalogue, list (a systematic list of items, not specifically words with definitions).