What Character Is That?, is a fantastic resource for those learning Chinese, as well as those who already have a grounding in the language. The book is divided up, not by strokes like many other Chinese dictionaries, but by the radicals that make up the word.

The dictionary contains both traditional Chinese characters as well as the simplified versions. Definitions for the characters are also segregated when a simplified character has multiple meanings that do not necessarily apply to the traditional form as well.

Most of the standard, or common characters, have information on the etymology of the character. This backstory is not only informative, but also helps one to remember how the character is formed, by understanding the elements that are involved therein.

This book is great for translating documents and stories, as well as for learning about new symbols.

I enjoyed the information on the origins of the radicals, and how they have evolved over time.

Read it again.

This is the best resource I have found thus far for Chinese characters that appeals to a Western audience.

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Created Apr 21, 2006 at 10:34am • Submit your own review...