This article was originally posted on WomenLearnThai.com.
The Three Way Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary…
Benjawan Poomsan Becker & Chris Pirazzi have been working around the clock (seriously) to give us the best Talking Thai-English-Thai dictionary on the market. And it doesn’t matter if you are into actual books, smart phones, or computers, Benjawan and Chris have it covered.
I’ve been using a version of the Three-Way Talking Thai Dictionary for years. I started with the small dictionary in paperback form and then purchased the Three-Way Thai–English, English–Thai Pocket Dictionary when it came out.
I love actual books but I do spend a lot of time on my computer, so when the PC version was available (the Three-Way Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary), I was all over it.
Following fast came the iPhone Dictionary app which morphed into the Three-Way Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch app. What more could you ask for?
Well, not only did all the dictionaries get a heavy update, but the Android version of the Thai-English-Thai dictionary launched this week as well. Finally, the rest of the smart phone world can see what all the shouting has been about.
I don’t have an Android phone so Snap from Learn Thai in Chiang mai offered to review it for us. Thanks Snap!
Snap’s Android App Review: Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary…
Let me first say, that I was tickled pink to be included in the testing of Paiboon’s Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary app for Android phones, tickled pink, but perhaps not worthy, as a now lagging learner of Thai.
After, I’m sure, an incredible amount of work and tweaking by it’s creators, I was more than happy to purchase the finished product. The T-E-T Dictionary is one of three Thai dictionaries I have on my Android phone, the other two I haven’t consulted since.
Already very familiar with the basic layout and functions, having used the PC version for about a year now, I found it very easy to navigate through it’s various ‘sections’ of the menu: English, Thai, Sound (English transliteration), Configure Thai sound and Help…although as yet I’ve found no need to consult the latter.
Once you’ve located whichever word you’re looking for, you have several choices:
- Play Sound: which is, in my humble opinion, essential for anyone learning a new language…especially one that is tonal. And, because this app is pocket portable, could save one from avoiding those grinding (heart sunken) halts, when we realise that we’ve been pronouncing a word embarrassingly wrong. If all else fails, at least you have the option of clicking play and letting it do the talking for you.
- Go: well, is just that, ‘Go’, which will take you from one section to another. Look up a word in English and select the Thai word and ‘Go’ will plonk you in the appropriate Thai – English part of the dictionary etc.
- See Real World Fonts: As someone who’s sat staring for tens of minutes at signs on Thai streets, this function also is a blessing. I remember my first encounter trying to figure out which Thai letter could possibly have been morphed into a backwards ‘S’!!!!
- Find Words Inside: For me, this is the piece de resistance! As someone who loves to dissect things…like Thai words, this function is a dream come true. Not only does it find words inside, but it finds words inside the words inside. Now, if I cling to the notion (possible myth) that there are only about 3000 individual words in the Thai language and all others are compounds of those words, and I just learn those, I’ll be set, right?
- Explain Spelling: A function that students would love. ‘Explain Spelling’ addresses why the word is the tone that it is, breaks the words down into syllables/consonant and vowel clusters, and feeds you the sounds bit by bit. Want to know more? Select any of those sounds to find out more about ‘vowels and syllables’ or ‘consonants’, which are two of the many subjects in the ‘Reading and Writing’ chapter of the app.
It seems the more you dig, the deeper you go with this dictionary. - Google Search: Self explanatory, but handy. Particularly if you want to test (where possible) the accuracy or appropriateness of a word using Google’s ‘Image’ search.
Even if you’re not serious about learning Thai and just heading to the LOS for a vacation, this app is worth every penny and more. Just imagine ordering food and actually getting what you thought you ordered, not what you actually ordered! Or, getting unlost instead of continuing on a wild goose chase around town…or simply making pidgin Thai conversation and enjoying interacting with the locals.
Now if I could only find an app half as good as this one, in Khmer!
Snap,
Learning Thai In Chiang Mai – My Journal!
Note: To see how to install and use the Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary, check out a video of the features of the Talking Thai English Dictionary Android App.
iPhone App Review: Paiboon’s Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary…
As Snap covered the basic features I’ll mainly share the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch/PC update.
The PC version of the Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary (reviewed on Hugh Leong’s site) started out with 42,000 entries, high-quality sound recordings, English to Thai, Thai to English, sound to Thai, multiple pronunciation systems, instant search, and typing in Thai.
That was in 2010 and it was considered smoking hot back then. And 2011 brought us even more entries.
Then a few months ago, when Chris Pirazzi contacted previous beta testers to check out the 1.6 iPhone/iPad/iPod update, he wowed us even more:
What’s new in 1.6:
This release delivers another massive increase in the number of dictionary entries, from more than 100,000 entries to more than 150,000 entries (from 134,000 translations to more than 220,000 translations), plus another 28,000 entries (not counted above) containing the names of cities, subdistricts, districts, and provinces of Thailand.
As always, there is a high-quality sound recording of a native Thai speaker for every single Thai word in the dictionary.
In addition to the huge increase in entries, this release also adds:
- A new setting on the iOS platform called “Show Playback Buttons” that lets you turn on the display of little speaker icons right inline with each Thai word on-screen, so that you can hear any word with just one touch, as you can also do on the Windows and Android platforms.
- A handy new unified Quick Click Chart in our Help section on Reading and Writing which shows all Thai consonants and vowels at once on your screen, allowing you to click to hear each one or to go to its details in the relevant section.
- A large number of small improvements to the Help including a lot more sound recordings for sample phrases, more sample words, and playback icons in our charts of Thai vowels.
An no. They are not done yet. In fact, Benjawan Poomsan Becker wants to hear from you:
We will continue to add words to future updates of the app that I come across or that are suggested by our customers. Therefore, we want to reassure readers that if they do happen to come across a word that they feel needs to be added to our dictionary it can be included in future updates. I look forward to seeing suggestions.
To submit new words email: [email protected]
For a detailed list of goodies, read the overview at Word in the Hand.
Using the various Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionaries…
I bounce between three electronic versions of the Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary. The dictionary app is on both my iPhone and iPad, and the PC version on my Mac with an emulator.
When I’m running around town, logically, the iPhone is the one I use. And when I’m at home or traveling, I prefer the iPad because the screen is larger. But when I’m compiling Thai vocabulary lists and need to cut and paste into excel files, the PC version is invaluable.
It’s not expensive to run all three versions. My original copy was for the iPhone but it sucks into my iPad without an additional charge. And the massive upgrade for the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch as well as the PC is free. Totally free.
I’m ‘burdened’ by an 11″ Apple Air which doesn’t help for the nonce. So, I’m currently content with the actual dictionary which is not only the best, it’s the only one. There is no second best to this.
Sany, sounds like you had a wonderful time with Benjawan 🙂
I imagine learning English instead of all the different regional languages is a better option… although I believe Malay is used extensively in several SE Asian countries so if one had to pick, that might be a good choice after English. Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore… Indonesia (?)
My lovely Filipino housekeeper in Brunei could speak English, Malay, a smattering of Chinese and Indonesian, and (of course) the different dialects from her home country. Most of the Filipino housekeepers I knew juggled at least three languages (English, Malay, and their own). None spoke Thai.
Cat – It was a wonderful meeting indeed the whole afternoon and evening just flew by. Your wonderful website also came up as a topic of conversation ^_^ We also compared interesting notes on our respective mother tongues.
There is a gap in Thai language learning for native speakers of Malay and Indonesian – which is surprising given the close proximity of these countries to Thailand, particularly in view of the proposed integration of ASEAN over the coming years. English is still very much the language of communication for the region which is why her dictionary app and your website are so helpful.
Sany, “this website and Khun Benjawan’s materials would be the two go-to resources I’d recommend” thank you for your support! Benjawan is sure to thank you as well 🙂
Btw: fabulous that you were able to meet up with Benjawan: Khun Benjawan in San Francisco
Sany, that must be rough not having anyone to share notes with … but you know you are always welcome here 🙂
Catherine – unfortunately I don’t know of any other Thai language students where I am just now, but needless to say this website and Khun Benjawan’s materials would be the two go-to resources I’d recommend.
If you already have the dictionary app then please let other students of Thai know about the draw.
The draw starts now: WIN! WIN! WIN! 3 Talking Thai–English–Thai Dictionary iPhone iPad iPod Apps
The app is by far the most frequently used one I have on my iPhone. Worth every penny.
Time moves in one direction, memory in another
So true – and both a blessing and a curse (especially the memory part).
‘Time moves in one direction, memory in another’ – William Gibson
Martyn, Benjawan burnt the midnight oil getting all those sound files recorded. And thank goodness for that!
July… that’s a fair bit away but not too long in our years. Time sure goes by fast these days, yes?
ANNOUNCEMENT: Talen will announce the winners of his draw on the 10th – my draw will start that very same day. So for those of you who don’t have the i version please stop by. It’s that time of year so I’ll have house guests so my draw will be fast and furious. Promise!
Catherine and Snap – You’ve written two good reviews about the Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary App but it’s the Android one I’m interested in.
My mobile contract is up at the end of July and I’m looking to get one of the latest Samsung Android phones which will support such apps as this one.
The ability to be able to play sound is a must in my book or app, that makes learning a whole lot easier and so does the price of this one which I believe rolls in at just under 30 US dollars. That’s great value and heaps pressure on others in the language market to try and match it. Judging by your reviews that would appear to be an arduous task. Over 150,000 ‘dick..shun..hairy’ entries is an awesome amount. How many years of a ‘Word a Day’ is that….just under 412 years…even I could be fluent in Thai by then…well perhaps street Thai.
A smashing pair of reviews by two lovely ladies and I’m sure they will boost sales enormously… mark yuk yuk.
Keith, I also like ClickThai. It’s the only one that comes close (in my opinion) to the Talking Thai-English-Thai dictionary. Dr. Wit is for Thais and more advanced students of the Thai language (such as yourself) so I put it in a different category in my reviews (which reminds me…).
Great that you have the Talking Thai-English-Thai dictionary already (and the updates are free). Benjawan and Chris aim to make their dictionary as complete as possible so suggest away 🙂
–> To submit new words email: [email protected]
I have to say that Paiboon’s dictionary is the most elegantly crafted Thai mobile dictionary I have run across for my iPod Touch.
I feel that Benjawan’s translations are the most accurate, and “real world.”
Perhaps my favorite thing is the Thai keyboard, which is the closest to the real one I have seen. I use two other mobile dictionary apps, and they both resort to keyboards that lack in comparison.
ClickThai (otherwise a great app, especially for English to Thai and grammar) is a uses Apple’s built-in Thai keyboard, which um … isn’t very good. That’s being polite. Vowels and tone marks are all stashed under a single key that takes a second or so to present a new vowel-tone mark keyboard.
Dr. Wit’s keyboard is better, but it only shows three rows of keys, forcing you to chose between or to use both shift keys at times if you need to a Thai character on the upper row.
My one reason for resorting to those other dictionaries was that ClickThai and Dr. Wit had bigger dictionaries, so I hope the addition of so many new words will make the Paiboon dictionary my main dictionary.
I study with monks, so perhaps their penchant for teaching formal language has skewed my requirements a bit, but I have failed to find many of the words I was being taught in the Talking Thai dictionary, and resorted to other sources.
So the prospect of 50,000 new words sounds really good!
Darn it, for some reason your bits have not been showing up. They must have updated. Again… brb…
Talen, have you played around with ‘find a word inside’? I could spend hours going from one to another … lol … It’s a great dictionary app. I’m envious of those just starting out with Thai. Not that the dictionaries we had were naff, but they didn’t TALK.
Cat, it really is just an awesome app. I haven’t seen any other language app that compares to it in either volume or complexity or ease of use. I really do use it every day and am always amazed that it has exactly what I am looking for.
Anyone who is learning Thai or traveling to or living in Thailand should have it and with a few giveaways like we are doing this is a great chance to get an awesome app absolutely free.
Hi Talen! Ta from the absent Snap (she’s running around the world at the moment) and moi. It is indeed a great app and may the best students win!
Benjawan said she had X amount of codes to spread around so I figured you were amongst the chosen 🙂
Excellent reviews Ladies, then again I am biased because I absolutely love my Talking Thai App and use it daily. There are very few times I will say something is the best but all forms of the Thai-English-Thai Dictionary are far and above the closest competitor and best is appropriate in this case.
Amazingly we must be on the same wavelength today Cat as I just published a post about the Talking Thai-English-Thai Dictionary App and I’m giving away copies as well….:)