Learn to Read in Japanese, A Glossary

Book excerpt: Since each kanji character in the Japanese language is associated with its own unique vocabulary, the study of kanji unavoidably requires that students learn many new Japanese words. To help you organize and keep track of the new words that are introduced in our three Learn to Read in Japanese books, we have assembled this companion glossary. The glossary lists more than 7,400 Japanese terms that are used in the three books, and it provides definitions and memory aides for nearly every term. The memory aides are of two types: explanations which describe how the listed terms are derived from other known Japanese words, or when such explanations aren't possible, mnemonics to help you to remember the terms' definitions and pronunciations. The glossary also identifies more than 8,000 synonyms (or at least "related terms") which make it possible for you to compare similar words side by side. Of course, this glossary cannot replace a good Japanese dictionary, nor is it intended to do so. However, it includes thousands of explanations, mnemonics and synonyms that you won't find in a standard dictionary, and it focuses precisely on the terms that you will encounter in the three Learn to Read in Japanese books. We think that it will help to make your Japanese study easier and more interesting.