mint Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I'm hoping someone could recommend me a French-English dictionary that is a step up from the elementary ones that we have. We currently consult a basic Collins and a basic Larousse.Now we are coming across phrases and words that are not listed in these. So, I think the time is ripe for a bit of an upgrade. Not too big a step though, just something a little more substantial than these little gems we have been using.Any recommendations, anyone? Clair? 5-element? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Hi sweet 17, I have three dictionaries, one quite basic, one very large and a medium one which I recently bought because it's a more managable size. It could fit into a largish handbag. It's Collins French Dictionary and Grammar.ISBN 9780007253166 £12.99 It's measurements are about 5"(wide) x8"(long) x2"(thick) It might be what you're looking for. I find it adequate for almost everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I'm still using the bilingual dictionary I bought for £25 in 1993: Larousse French Unabridged edition ISBN 2-03-440100.Similar to this one, but more complete: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Larousse-Concise-French-English-English-French-Dictionary/I remember spending hours in Foyle's that day... [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Perhaps I should have mentioned that the one I suggested is bilingual, it looks a little unclear from the title. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meg Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 have you tried the online dictionaries?I use http://www.wordreference.com/enfr/Also a brilliant way to learn, is buy a really good french dictionary. Looking up words in French (without a translation in English) really helps language skills no end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I agree about a good French dictionary, Meg, but I guess that can be a bit daunting when you start. I find the Hachette illustrated encyclopedic one great - and often for sale at knock down prices when a new edition comes out.For Eng/French I lashed out on an Oxford/Hachette and it's amazing how useful it still is several years later - of the few very modern expressions which aren't in, most are easily found out on the web or are US/English based anyway, so a good one can last you for years.However, I'd hesitate to say that any one dictionary is necessarily better than another. I'd say go for as big a one as you can afford, and look at the dates of the latest editions (easily worked out on Amazon by asking for a sort by publication date - newest to oldest) and buy the most comprehensive and modern within your budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard T Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Collins Robert . See http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Robert-French-Dictionary-French-English/dp/0007221088Richard T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anton Redman Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I have about half a dozen specialist dictionaries, banking & commerce, building and architecture, motor vehicles, menu, knitting and petit point ( don't ask) etc and the Collins Robert. I think it was Clive James who wrote dictionaries were always frustrating you look up camisoles and find knickers then vice versa.I would say you were better off with one decent sized dictionary and then specialist illustrated books or dictionaries on things which interest you or you need to translate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEO Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 [quote user="Anton Redman"]I have about half a dozen specialist dictionaries, banking & commerce, building and architecture, motor vehicles, menu, knitting and petit point ( don't ask) etc and the Collins Robert. I think it was Clive James who wrote dictionaries were always frustrating you look up camisoles and find knickers then vice versa.I would say you were better off with one decent sized dictionary and then specialist illustrated books or dictionaries on things which interest you or you need to translate. [/quote]Hi Anton, just a small point, what are you knitting at the moment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 1, 2008 Author Share Posted April 1, 2008 Thank you everyone. It's nice to have a choice and I am going to enjoy researching. I think one of the things I most enjoy about France is that I know so little about it. It's like getting better acquainted with a fascinating person you have just met at dinner. You think, it's the coffee stage so I must find out as much as possible about him/her before saying "goodnight".Mind you, if it's Leo sitting on the other side of the table, I'd be spluttering into my coffee as he is such a mischievous little monkey (lion) I won't be able to help giggling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 I read somewhere (possibly on this or another forum) that Collins Robert is particularly good for business, commercial and practical purposes and that the equivalent large Harraps is particularly good for literary french etc. I have a 30 year old Harraps (sadly lacking in anything to do with computers or modern idioms!) so I bought a new C-R which I love. It has never let me down on advanced or obscure words and also includes a very useful section in the middle on the language in use, which includes things like SMS text shorthands and business letter standards. It's not handbag size though!But it's each to their own and I think you need to devise your own test to see which would suit you best - if you can find a shop which doesn't keep them all in filmwrap.Unfortunately OH has forbidden me from buying a large 'proper' French dictionary - what I want is one which includes the origin of each word, partly because I just find it interesting but also because I think it might help memorise the meaning of the words - but they come in at about €80 so I can sort of see his point! Helen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benjamin Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 HelenCould you give the ISBN for the Collins Robert as our original C-R was printed in 1987 and lacks a lot of modern expressions?By the way, compared to novels etc, aren't dictionaries tremendous value? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weedon Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Permit me to throw in my 3kgs worth for the Harrap Shorter dictionary. It says it's France's favourite dictionary and who could plaider contre that!With 1124 pages of English words and phrases and 995 of French, there is something for every occasion. Plus you get plenty of Notes Concernant l'Orthographe and Les Expressions de Temps, such as ma montre avance de six minutes in the middle of the book. I could go on about its virtues but you would only s'endormir.Believe it or not it even gives 2 definitions for nob, caboche and aristo. I bet you don't get that in your pocket versions.As a language struggler this dictionary has been very useful for all situations although you have to reserve an extra place for it on a restaurant table! Luckily I don't take it with me now.I haven't yet found the need to use qu'est-ce-que tu lui veux á ma copine? But it's all in there just the same.The only down side is the price, in 2000 it was £23. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 My Harraps was a useful companion in my student days [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemini_man Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 I did make a post last night about this but the stoopid server thingy either mislaid it or regurgitated it.Anyway, I agree totally with Weedon - Harraps Shorter dictionnaire would be my choice - http://tinyurl.com/23vq4tI bought one here in France about 12 years ago and have been very pleased with it. It has lots of phrases and good grammar sections including conjugation of popular verbs in all tenses and I find it easy to find what you are looking for in it.Having said that, my advice is to look for one whose layout you like, it's all important so far as I'm concerned that you like the feel and appearance of a book, which is why I chose the Harraps but i know that the layout has now changed.Just a thought - it may be best to wait until the summer before you buy - all the big stores have new stock in for the rentrée so you will have a better choice. I bought mine from Auchan as they had the best range on display by far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ysatis Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Hi Benjamin, I have a Collins Robert, bought it nearly two years ago and it's ISBN is: 0007221088. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 1, 2008 Author Share Posted April 1, 2008 Thanks Gemini and Weedon, this one is obviously to look at. I understand what you mean about the layout. Some books just appeal and some don't. I do like to have to do a bit of work myself, don't really like it when they put things in coloured boxes and bold type, etc and make you feel little better than a cretin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 1, 2008 Author Share Posted April 1, 2008 For people who are interested, the Collins Robert dictionary can be had from Amazon at 50% off which makes it £17.50, free delivery to the UK, otherwise usual euro zone delivery charge which, from memory, is £3.50 or thereabouts. Can't be precise because I now cannot remember even very basic facts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-element Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 Sorry Sweet 17 - I came to this thread rather late, as I don't read every single thread - just pick the ones which have an intriguing title.Anyway, for what it's worth, the (big and heavy) dictionary I swear by is the Robert & Collins Senior. We also have the lighter, Junior version which my husband uses a lot (but still not pocket size!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 2, 2008 Author Share Posted April 2, 2008 Thanks, 5-element. I haven't ordered yet as I am still weighing up the possibles.By the way, 2 o f the 3 volumes on French History by Cobban have arrived and the OH has already got stuck in.Thanks again for taking the trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benjamin Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 [quote user="Ysatis "]Hi Benjamin, I have a Collins Robert, bought it nearly two years ago and it's ISBN is: 0007221088. Hope this helps. [/quote]Thank you. [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 2, 2008 Author Share Posted April 2, 2008 Benjamin, thanks a lot. There was a new student at my French class this afternoon and she had a Collins Robert. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to take more than a cursory glance at it. She swears by it and the layout looks OK to me (that is, I can read it with my reading glasses on!)I think I have now decided to go for this one.My thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-element Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 [quote user="sweet 17"]Thanks, 5-element. I haven't ordered yet as I am still weighing up the possibles.By the way, 2 o f the 3 volumes on French History by Cobban have arrived and the OH has already got stuck in.Thanks again for taking the trouble. [/quote] You are very welcome. I do hope the Cobban French history paperbacks are interesting to both of you. Mr. Sweet sounds very keen.Lucky you spotted how to get the books if they are now out of print. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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