Score:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (8) 9 10
“Eight outta ten!”
Pros:
a compact dictionary that’s actually compact in size; large number of useful entries; helpful meaning guides for ambiguous entries; usage examples; irregular verb list at end; color edition nice touch and easier to search; great for students and travelers
Cons:
no indication of irregular verbs; you’ll need a more detailed dictionary for thorough coverage of usage and translation (later intermediate students and beyond); European Portuguese is clearly secondary, but is given and marked (only a problem if that’s your target dialect)
The Oxford New Portuguese Dictionary is a small, convenient dictionary with plenty of useful terms and phrases, especially considering its size. Its two halves cover English to Portuguese translation and Portuguese to English.
Both English and Portuguese entries include phonetic transcription in IPA, as well as expected grammatical cues like masculine/feminine noun gender and transitive and intransitive verbs. There is, however, no indication of which forms are irregular. A list of irregular verbs, conjugated in all forms, is found at the end of the book.
Semantic hints clue you into the meaning of multiple equivalents for the same term. Looking up “be”, we find “(permanent quality/place) ser; (temporary place/state) estar; (become) ficar.” Usage instances, phrases and expressions are given for clarity and completeness: “take” includes “take away from”, for example.
The introduction contains a short guide to Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation, a note about pronouncing European Portuguese, even an English pronunciation guide for Portuguese speakers.
The Oxford Color version offers an updated, sleeker version of this same dictionary, with standout blue entries (terms, irregular verbs, etc.), but its higher price earns it the same rating.
If you’re a beginner or an intermediate student looking for a good dictionary to have at hand while you learn Portuguese, this actually compact dictionary will more than meet your needs. I especially recommend spending extra for the more appealing color version.