Arabic Practical Dictionary: Arabic-English English-Arabic (Hippocrene Practical Dictionaries)

This is without a doubt the most useful Arabic dictionary I've used. It clearly doesn't have as many words as the Hans Wehr or the large Mawrid, but I can rely on it more than any other to get the translation I need in the least amount of time. The title "Arabic Practical Dictionary" is very accurate for this book, because it will almost always have what you need for Modern Standard Arabic study. I usually keep with me a copy of this book along with large Mawrid, which I'll consult for more obscure or technical terms not found in this volume. Typically, however, consulting this dictionary first saves me a great deal of time and headache. It also includes both translation and transliteration of all terms, which is very helpful when you're stumped about the pronunciation of a word. Obviously this isn't the dictionary to use for literary or Koranic Arabic. But for the Modern Standard Arabic student, this book is very portable, easy to use, will almost always have the words you need, and offers excellent translation and transliteration. I highly recommend it.

I found this book to be very useful in the college level class that I am taking from Kansas State. The text allows easy reference to many words that commonly occur in class at a beginner level.

A most helpful dictionary for both the expert and the beginners.
It is extensive and includes around 17,900 entries, with original transliterations
phonetics and dialects sounds.
It is practical, and easy to follow.
Most suitable for people visiting the Arab countries.

Important characteristics:
The selection of the words is very thoughtful, because the entries contains words frequently used in day by day business transactions, deals, dialogues, and affairs.
It is not boring at all.
I do speak fluently Arabic, because I am Egyptian.

I highly recommend this dictionary.-From Zaki Rustum Abaza, Egypt, Cairo

I am learning to speak Arabic at home. The vast majority of the translations in this dictionary are wrong. Don't waste your money, just save up your money and buy the $110 hardcover al Mawrid. This book is completely useless. I am so disappointed.

This book is superb. I have four other Arabic-English dictionaries, two of which are enormous hardbacks, and this is the one I use every day. It is dog-eared with use. It is comprehensive and clear. If you need just one dictionary--or if the ones you have are a challenge to find what you want in--this is the book for you.