Robert micro -poche [Paperback]

If you have passed the beginner-level of French, then this dictionary is definitely a must. For beginners, the Collins French Concise Dictionary (French-English/English-French) is no doubt the best choice. But direct translations from French to English may be confusing or misleading in many cases. For example, the Collins dictionary uses British English for the translations (English definitions). But for speakers who are not very familiar with British English slang terms, such translations are not very helpful. Also due to the large number of loanwords in English from French, a lot of times the French word and the English word are exactly the same. But the same word might be used in a slightly different way in English. Therefore a French dictionary is very helpful. This Le Robert micro dictionary gives very good definitions using simple French words. There are also many useful example sentences. This is very important. Some French dictionaries don't have example sentences, and this can be very frustrating, since you do not necessarily know how to use a word just by looking at its definition. Example sentences are very important. This Robert dictionary also has many grammatical explanations, notes on usage, idioms and other useful information. It is definitely the best dictionary for students of French from the intermediate level up.

As an intermediate French learner I was a bit scared that I would find this difficult to use, but the dictionary explains big or complicated French words with smaller less complicated words that you are familiar with

This is one of my favourite reference works, and my only Fr-Fr dictionary. I'm an intermediate student with good reading ability, though with hesitant speaking skills, and a limited vocabulary. I can read French because of its similarity to English. For anyone around my level, it is useful to start on a monolingual dictionary, and this one, aimed at learners, is ideal. I admit I'm in love with the look and feel as much as anything else, but I find myself wanting to use it, and wanting to do more French as a result. If your vocabulary is around 1500 words, you should consider it.

It has fairly complete descriptions for each word, including pronunciation, different senses, usage guidelines, and idiomatic expressions. For most words, there are many usage examples, and this includes not just the headword, but the different senses, and even many of the expressions. For me the only downside is that the expressions are presented in all capitals, without bold typeface, making them harder to find within a long entry.

I still use a bilingual dictionary as well. I don't know what the research says on using a monolingual dictionary or a bilingual one, but from my general reading on second language acquisition (part of a Phd lit review), it is unlikely to matter. You do what you feel ready for. If you find it a bit boring getting the quick translation in a bilingual dictionary, and want a deeper challenge, try this monolingual one. If you find it takes a long time deciphering French definitions, give up quickly, since it's better to spend more of your time on reading. You will get plenty of exercise anyway just from overall comprehension, and you can go back to the monolingual one when you are ready.