1.
dictionary
A reference book containing words and their meanings.
字引を引く。
To consult a dictionary.
字引で言葉を調べる。
To look up a word in the dictionary.
古い字引を持っています。
I have an old dictionary.
祖父の家に大きな字引がある。
There is a large dictionary at my grandfather's house.
この字引は古いけれど、漢字の読み方を調べるのに便利だ。
This dictionary is old, but it's convenient for looking up kanji readings.
字引 is an older term for a dictionary, now largely replaced by 辞書 in everyday speech. You may encounter it in older literature, from elderly speakers, or in set expressions.
ETYMOLOGY:
From 字 (character) + 引く (to pull/look up). The name reflects the act of looking up characters.
MODERN ALTERNATIVES:
- 辞書: dictionary (most common, general purpose)
- 辞典: dictionary (larger reference works, e.g., 国語辞典)
- 事典: encyclopedia (same reading as 辞典 but different kanji)
COMMON COLLOCATION:
- 字引を引く: to consult a dictionary
REGISTER:
Somewhat archaic. Understood by all Japanese speakers but rarely used by younger generations.