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31/03/2008, 19:27 sweet 17 Joined on 05/08/2006 charente maritime Posts 2,048 French dictionary 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?    Report

31/03/2008, 19:39 Ysatis Joined on 25/02/2006 Cornwall/Vienne(86), not far from Civray Posts 390 Re: French dictionary 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. Ysatis. On n'a jamais fini d'apprendre.    Report

31/03/2008, 19:46 Clair Joined on 23/08/2004 ------- Forum Moderator ------- Lot Posts 6,275 Re: French dictionary 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... Clair, a Real Virtual French Person La vérité est si obscurcie en ce temps et le mensonge si établi, qu'à moins d'aimer la vérité, on ne saurait la reconnaître. (Blaise Pascal)    Report

31/03/2008, 20:44 Ysatis Joined on 25/02/2006 Cornwall/Vienne(86), not far from Civray Posts 390 Re: French dictionary Perhaps I should have mentioned that the one I suggested is bilingual, it looks a little unclear from the title. Ysatis. On n'a jamais fini d'apprendre.    Report

31/03/2008, 21:03 Meg Joined on 17/02/2006 Charente Posts 1,922 Re: French dictionary 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. This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered as flaws or defects.    Report

31/03/2008, 21:11 cooperlola Joined on 05/05/2006 72 - Sarthe - home of les 24 heures du Mans Posts 6,361 Re: French dictionary 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. Healthcare Issues Site    Report

31/03/2008, 22:17 Richard T Joined on 26/02/2008 Posts 34 Re: French dictionary Collins Robert . See http://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Robert-French-Dictionary-French-English/dp/0007221088 Richard T    Report

31/03/2008, 23:09 Anton Redman Joined on 23/08/2004 Gironde Posts 1,925 Re: French dictionary 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.    Report

31/03/2008, 23:47 LEO Joined on 15/04/2006 Calvados,14 Posts 976 Re: French dictionary  Anton Redman wrote: 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. Hi Anton, just a small point, what are you knitting at the moment? Leo. www.vianormandy.com ( I owe , I owe , so it's off to work I go! )    Report

01/04/2008, 10:49 sweet 17 Joined on 05/08/2006 charente maritime Posts 2,048 Re: French dictionary 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.      Report

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