Webster's New World Hebrew Dictionary : Hebrew/English-English/Hebrew (Transliterated)

I know it will seem confusing for people that the reviews are all over the place on this dictionary, but I'm still throwing in my two cents. I'm talking here to first-year Hebrew students. I ordered this a lousy week ago, and I've used it constantly. I'm learning Hebrew/Aramaic online at Jerusalem University in a wonderful class, but face it, you're still doing a lot on your own. I've lost all my Hebrew from college, and I'm trying to get it back. I've expanded my library of books from college, so I've got them all and then some, the BDB lexicon, several books on Old Testament and general Hebrew grammar, etc. I'll be using them, but later. Right now, the oddity of this book is great for a newbie, and very clever. I ordered it mostly because I wanted the simple English-to-Hebrew dictionary that's the back half. Anyway, I was willing to take a chance on the goofball concept of the front half, since it's hard to look up Hebrew words at first in academic dictionaries if you don't know the root. But the front's not so goofball. For example, when my Hebrew teacher says something right before she signs off, and I don't know what the word meant, and I want to learn it, well, I know what it sounded like. So, I look it up in the front half, in plain English (or thereabouts) and have yet to have any trouble finding it. Same thing when I hear a word in the Hebrew folk songs I've started listening to. (I'll never lose another language - I listen to French pop music all the time to keep my French toned.)I know the proper way to do this is the system called "transliteration" that, I warn you, is going to be tough to grasp at first. You'll see in your textbook the word in Hebrew letters, the word in transliteration symbols, the word in a general pronunciation that isn't enough like a regular dictionary, and then the word in English. Transliteration is a very old system, of which there are several, in which accepted symbols on or around letters in English tell you the Hebrew letter sound - example, letters that can have two sounds based on whether or not there's a "daghesh," or dot in the center of the letter, are represented by the letter in English with or without a line above or below it that tells you to say a hard "k" sound or a "ch" like in Bach. Sound confusing? It is at first. I've been in class eight weeks and I'm just starting to get comfortable with it. So I find it a little annoying when other reviewers are griping that this system isn't "proper" transliteration. How's that going to help you if you're just starting out?Take my word for it. For a new student, you'll find a use for this. Get all academic later.

I enjoy this dictionary. I also own the Oxford and a variety of other Hebrew dictionaries (and an Aramaic one). I like it as an adjunct to others I have. For one thing, if I am not sure of the precise niqud of a word or phrase this dictionary gives it as a transliteration. That's helpful. It's excellent in giving colloquial phrases, by the way.This is the only dictionary I have ever picked up and just begun to read for the fun of it. That's probably because seeing the English letters changes the gestalt for me, this despite the fact that I read Hebrew very well, and speak it very well, too. I like to know that I am seeing clearly the pronunciation of a new Hebrew word by reading the transliteration. (Of course, I can look up words more easily in a non-transliterated Hebrew-letter dictionary, which is what I use my Oxford for.) I want to add that after each transliteration the Hebrew word is spelled out in Hebrew letters, so you will know if it's an aleph or an ayin, a chet or a chaf.This dictionary may not be for everyone. For me it fulfills the main function of making crystal clear the niqud of an unfamiliar word. Aside from that I find it a fun dictionary. It's 827 pp. a pretty hefty tome, and a bargain.

When I look at negative reviews, all I have to say is, not every book or dictionary is appropriate for every use under the sun! This is not a dictionary for a fluent or near fluent speaker, hence, the transliteration!!!I have chosen to learn Hebrew conversation first and follow with the written language. I want to focus on learning to use the language verbally which is, in my opinion, the most difficult and more important mode of language use.THIS DICTIONARY IS BRILLIANT! I can learn to speak the language because of the transliteration available. I want to pronounce the words without the using the international pronunciation standard. I don't know if all non-Latin alphabetic languages have transliteration dictionaries like this--but I would think there are many people who would purchase them if there were.I am learning from three different Israeli tutors online and this is the perfect complement to their great help.

Love the layout of this dictionary...I am studying Hebrew. I have Three or four dictionaries and I would put this one as one of the most helpful, if the Hebrew would have included the vowel points...a student of Hebrew really needs them. I wish there was a way to contact the publisher...and see if they will bring one out with that included...then it would be one of my best Hebrew dictionaries.

I have been looking for a Hebrew dictionary that gives the gender of nouns (i.e., masculine or feminine). This one provides that key information. Some of the reviewers that dislike the transliteration aspect of the entries should have examined the content prior to purchase. I am able to read Hebrew, so the fact the dictionary provides the correct spelling in Hebrew (in addition to the transliteration) without nikud is not a detraction to its value for me personally. I look forward to receiving it tomorrow and will revise this opinion if for any reason I change my mind, either more positively or negatively. I suppose the ideal Webster's NewWorld Hebrew Dictionary would have spelling with and without nikud, plus transliteration, and the parts of speech identifier, especially the gender of nouns. This product at this stage is almost completely ideal, yet this iteration meets my personal needs.

Looking up words.

Hello,I have been using this dictionary since 2016 and in my experience I feel it to be absolutely invaluable for helping to translate Hebrew sentences into English. I understand some of the less favourable reviews posted here, yet I think its value to you depends much on how you wish to use it.For me, I spend much time reading passages in Hebrew, mostly with the vowel signs included (nikkud). If you can work out how the word should sound (hence you do need to have a basic level of understanding Hebrew letters and pronunciation), you can then go to the Hebrew section of this dictionary (written phonetically in English as the word should sound in Hebrew) and stand a good chance of finding the word in English. In my experience I have had much success in finding words this way and I would not be without this excellent resource. I find in fact that I use it for listening to Hebrew too, as you can quickly grab the dictionary and look up what you just heard being spoken.The English to Hebrew section of this dictionary is fairly limited and I rarely use it, instead using the Oxford dictionary. But, this dictionary is well worth it for the phonetic Hebrew part alone (which is the main section). I would be lost without it to be honest and will soon purchase a new copy, as my existing one is wearing out.It is true to say that the binding and covers are flimsy, yet expected for a book of this comparatively low cost. When I purchased mine I stiffened the covers by gluing on a cardboard layer which works great. The binding is splitting here and there, hence I may need to replace mine soon. But it's had nearly 5 years constant use.So, if you can work phonetically and have a basic ability to read and pronounce Hebrew words, this dictionary will become an invaluable tool for your learning needs.

excellent dictionary very user friendly.

Practical and complete. The transliteration the pronunciation the first pages on Alecf bet and rules on nikkud I founded themerfect.

日本語−ヘブライ語辞典は『現代ヘブライ語辞典』(1984/09)というのがあります。この書籍は1994年出版と古いですが、値段は安いほうです。初心者から上級者向けのものもありますが、6,000円ぐらいの値段になります。英語−ヘブライ語辞典ですので英語がわからないと理解できませんのでそこが難点です。また絵や図などがありませんので他の書籍やインターネットで調べるしかありません。ヘブライ語のラテン文字、ヘブライ文字で表記されており、英語とヘブライ語それぞれのアルファベット順に並んでいますので検索はさほど手間はかかりません。この辞書では summary data on 1250,basic information on 865　収録されています。英語−ヘブライ語辞典をお求めでしたらこの辞典をお勧めします。