The dictionary contains over 3,000 entries which, along with providing basic meanings and grammatical information, also distinguish between senses, list compounds, and give sample sentences and idiomatic expressions. Based on Japanese language teaching materials and studies of vocabulary in common use, the selection of vocabulary focuses on words in everyday use. It presents all the Japanese words and phrases in roman script with standard Japanese script alongside and arranges the headwords alphabetically. It also includes an English translation on the right-hand side of each page to enable the student to compare the two languages. Cross-references direct the user to words of contrasting or related meaning, and, where necessary, the dictionary provides notes on special usage. It also includes a useful appendix which gives an introduction to Japanese grammar.

Compact, easy to use, and completely up to date, the Basic Japanese-English Dictionary will enable any new student of Japanese to understand the basic vocabulary and to use it in the actual speaking and writing of the language.