1.
dictionary
A reference book containing words and their meanings.
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:
REGISTER:
Somewhat archaic. Understood by all Japanese speakers but rarely used by younger generations.