字引(じびき)

字引(じびき) is an older term for a dictionary, now largely replaced by 辞書(じしょ) in everyday speech. You may encounter it in older literature, from elderly speakers, or in set expressions.

Etymology

From 字(じ) (character) + 引(ひ)く (to pull/look up). The name reflects the act of looking up characters.

Similar words

• 辞書(じしょ): dictionary (most common, general purpose)
• 辞典(じてん): dictionary (larger reference works, e.g., 国語(こくご)辞典(じてん))
• 事典(じてん): encyclopedia (same reading as 辞典(じてん) but different kanji)

Common expressions

• 字引(じびき)を引(ひ)く: to consult a dictionary
• 生(い)き字引(じびき): a walking dictionary, a person who knows everything about a subject (still in everyday use)

Register

Somewhat archaic. Understood by all Japanese speakers but rarely used by younger generations.