January 4 2004

Besta CyberDict IV: Thai-English dictionary

I always struggle with ordinary Thai-English dictionaries because I can't remember the order of the 46-letter Thai alphabet. Last week, I solved the problem by buying an electronic dictionary. Its keypad closely resembles a bilingual computer keyboard so all I have to do is type. It's cut my translation times down by about 90%.

The Besta CyberDict IV contains 9 famous-name dictionaries - including both Thai-English and English-Thai. They aren't crappy cut-down versions either. It also has loads of PDA-style functions that I can't be bothered to use. The device is no bigger than a pocket calculator so, unlike a paper dictionary, I can carry it everywhere.

Of course, it isn't much use unless you can read Thai. If you want to learn, I would recommend the self-study Thai course from Linguaphone (See Learn Thai & woo Thai girls).

The Besta CyberDict IV is available from concession stands in leading Bangkok department stores.

Your Ad Here

[Posted to Learn Thai by David]

Your Ad Here

Readers' comments

mr peter says:

Another free plug for the excellent linga course, so I might as well stick in my pet recommendation-don't go to somchart, or if you do get the witch who owns it to write down in blood when your hours have to be used by, as she is fond of changing this then telling you the hours have run out.-peter

March 24, 2004 3:18 PM

mr peter says:

Forgot to ask, can one of these things be had that speak the thai words and phrases, far too daft to ever learn to read thai-peter

March 24, 2004 3:54 PM

David says:

Peter - I forgot to mention that the thing does speak. Personally, I think it's a gimmick but it does settle the argument when the pronunciation of a Thai word is ambiguous.

No device can substitute for learning the Thai alphabet but don't worry - it's not as hard as it looks. About 30 hours study should be enough.

March 24, 2004 5:18 PM

mr peter says:

learn thai alphabet in 30 days?, bloody hell i've been trying for 9 years so I'd better get one of these things. -peter

March 24, 2004 5:57 PM

thaiflyer1 says:

always thought there was 44 consonants..........do you know something i dont? lol.......

[There are supposed to be 44 but, if you count the number of letters listed in any Thai dictionary, there are actually 46. Apparently, the extra two symbols are infrequently used consonant/vowel combinations. - David]

March 25, 2004 7:15 PM