The top 5 of the best French English dictionaries

In everyday life, and more particularly in the world of work, fluency in English is often essential.

It is also not without reason that this foreign language is taught to all pupils in France, in general as a first living language and at least as a second.

If the courses given in college and high school are the basis of learning, they can be supplemented by an English French dictionary.

This book will allow you to translate the words and help to understand the texts and the exercises.

If you are looking for a bilingual dictionary, you have come to the right place.

We present below a list of the 5 best references.

But that's not all.

You will also find tips on how to use them properly and get the most out of them.

For the students,

our selection

The Robert & Collins Senior Dictionary

• Amazon

  €42.50

  SEE

• Fnac

  €42.50

  SEE

• Culture

  €42.50

  SEE

• Rakuten

  €42.50

  SEE

By purchasing the Le Robert & Collins Senior dictionary, you will be able to consult more than 950,000 expressions and translations.

It is suitable for all language levels, whether literary, colloquial or even slang.

You will also find 800 notes on translation difficulties, pitfalls, but also false friends, many of which are in English.

There are even cover letter templates.

• More than 950,000 expressions and translations

Hachette Bilingual Oxford Mini Dictionary

• Amazon

  €3.90

  SEE

• Culture

  €3.90

  SEE

• Fnac

  €3.90

  SEE

As soon as you travel, take this mini English French bilingual dictionary from Hachette Oxford editions.

It houses 40,000 words and expressions with pronunciation, examples and phrases, idiomatic expressions, but also irregular verbs.

You can also consult a conversation guide with 500 phrases to make yourself understood.

This book has a very reduced price.

• Phrasebook

Pocket English Dictionary Larousse

• Amazon

  €7.95

  SEE

• Culture

  €7.95

  SEE

• Fnac

  €7.95

  SEE

• Rakuten

  €7.95

  SEE

By purchasing the Larousse pocket English dictionary, you will have access to 230,000 words, expressions and translations.

This dictionary also contains thematic vocabulary boxes.

Cultural and civilization notes are also present to better understand the Anglo-Saxon culture.

This book is very affordable and its small size makes it convenient to carry.

You will also find a communication guide.

• Thematic vocabulary boxes

Harrap's Pocket Dictionary

• Culture

  €7.95

  SEE

• Fnac

  €7.95

  SEE

• Amazon

  €7.95

  SEE

In this new edition of Harrap's dictionary, you will be able to find 40,000 additional words, expressions and translations to reach a number of 190,000. Its format is practical to take away whenever you need it.

Digital bonuses are available, including 400 audio phrases to download.

This dictionary contains 300 usage notes to know how to thwart the main errors.

• New edition

The Robert & Collins College English Dictionary

• Amazon

  €16.30

  SEE

• Fnac

  €16.30

  SEE

• Culture

  €16.30

  SEE

Do you have a schoolboy at home?

Then he will need this The Robert & Collins College English Dictionary.

It contains 70,000 words and expressions, all punctuated with examples in order to correctly use the words in the right context.

Grammar rules are also present, not to mention tips to avoid the most common mistakes.

• 70,000 words and phrases

Using an English French dictionary

First of all, it will be useful at school.

Indeed, the learning of English is done from middle school, even from primary school in some establishments.

By buying a bilingual English and French dictionary, you will help your children revise and work on the language.

On the adult side, if you are traveling abroad, a dictionary will be very practical for translating the words you will see around you, or for making yourself understood.

In this case, favor pocket formats.

A classic dictionary is generally heavy and bulky, it will be uncomfortable to carry during your visits.

Finally, this type of work can find its place in the world of work.

It is not uncommon to have to work with English speakers, or to have to rely on texts or articles in English,

How to use it ?

The French English dictionary is very practical, but it is necessary to know how to use it well so that it is as effective as possible.

If you want to learn the language of Shakespeare, you will definitely need an English French dictionary.

The first use will consist of carrying out word-for-word translations from French to English.

For example, the color "vert" in French is called "green" in English.

You can also perform the reverse process by looking for the French translation of an English word, when you are reading a text or performing an exercise.

In this case, you need to make sure you know the meaning of the word.

Indeed, some words have the same spelling but not necessarily the meaning.

For example, the word "live" can mean "direct-e" but also designate the verb "to live".

Another possible case is certain English words that are used in French.

We can notably mention “cosy” or “cheap”.

In this case, you will not find a French translation because there is no equivalent in our language.

The opposite situation can also be encountered.

Let's take the example of the term “déjà-vu” in French, which English speakers sometimes use as is.

You also need to see if the word you are looking for is part of a phrase.

As in French, English is full of expressions that will have no meaning for foreigners.

In this case, translating a single word will not be of much use in helping you understand a sentence or a text.

Also, British English and American English may vary for some words or phrases,

identify what type of English you have in front of you to make a good translation.

Finally, note that there are three times more English words than French words, so some translations may escape you at the start of your learning process.

What are the emblematic editions?

On the market, there are plenty of editions of French English dictionaries.

All the major publishers of dictionaries and textbooks offer them in order to offer the widest possible choice to consumers.

Among the most essential, we can notably cite Larousse whose dictionaries extend to other languages.

The Robert brand, known in particular for its Petit Robert, is partnering with Collins, a renowned English dictionary available in print and online.

You can also choose the works offered by the publishing houses Hachette and Oxford, which have published dictionaries for translation from English to French and vice versa.

Also consider Harrap's pocket dictionary.