Japanese Language Learning Reviews

Essential Kanji by P.G. O’Neill

Score:
7 / 10
Pros:
covers all the common use kanji and some proper name characters; includes reference numbers, on/kun, stroke count for each character; lists 2 sample compounds using each character; shows calligraphy, handwritten and variant versions of each kanji; author offers helpful tips in the introduction; three look-up indices; Chinese readings are great for anyone studying comparative-historical linguistics

Cons:
missing helpful stepping stones like stroke-by-stroke illustration of how each character is written; fewer compound examples and usage examples than newer dictionaries; grid table of 8 characters per page gives equal attention to all kanji and won’t jive with some students; no index by radical

O’Neill’s Essential Kanji is a Japanese kanji character dictionary, covering all the basic use characters along with some of the kanji found in proper names. For some perspective on Japanese writing, see my page on learning pronunciation, writing & grammar.

The bulk of the dictionary presents eight characters per page on a grid with three columns and eight rows. In the first column, you’ll find a large, bold, calligraphic version of the character. You’ll also see small stroke numbers next to every stroke of the character. The second column contains a standard pen-written version of the character, along with any variants. The third box holds a bunch of information about the kanji.

In that third column, you’ll find onyomi and kunyomi readings, official kanji index numbers, and original Chinese readings of the character. You’ll also see two compound words written out containing that particular kanji. The compound character examples are also given in romaji with English translations.

The introduction talks at lenght and in heavier, academic language about the characters chosen, the structure of the entries, tips for using the dictionary as a study guide or a test book, and tips on how to practice writing the kanji.

The appendix has a romaji-kanji index (allowing you to look up any character alphabetically, by its pronunciation). There’s an index of radicals by English translation, and an index of all characters by stroke count. This book has no radical index (the classical way to look up kanji), which will alienate purists.

With so many other good beginner kanji dictionaries for sale (I’ve recommended both the Kodansha and Nielson), I will steer you away from Essential Kanji as your primary kanji dictionary, unless you meet certain criteria. Specifically, you must 1) appreciate & prefer the grid-like, tabular presentation of characters; 2) need fewer extra phrases and compound word examples demonstrating each character in use; 3) be content to search for unknown characters only by stroke count or romaji reading; 4) not require a stroke-by-stroke demonstration of how to write characters; 5) care about the etymology of each character. If you meet most of those requirements, and you’re looking for a Japanese kanji dictionary covering the beginning 2,000 characters, this one’s recommended.