辞書

The word refers to any resource used to look up words, ranging from traditional printed books to digital applications. While "dictionary" in English is a straightforward noun, in Japanese, it is most naturally paired with the verb 引く (hiku), which literally means "to pull" but in this context means "to look up" or "to consult." Using the verb 調べる (shiraberu - to investigate/check) is also correct, but 引く is the more idiomatic and specific term for using a dictionary.

In modern Japanese daily life, the term 辞書 often implies an electronic dictionary (電子辞書) or a smartphone app rather than a physical book. When referring to a physical book, speakers might specify 紙の辞書 (kami no jisho - paper dictionary) to distinguish it from digital versions.

Avoid using "dictionary" in contexts where you mean a "glossary" or a "list of terms" unless it is a comprehensive reference work. For a simple list of terms at the end of a document, 用語集 (yōgoshū) is more appropriate.