The Jishobiki method, aimed at encouraging pupils to look up familiar words and read the dictionary in their native language, reportedly enhances learners’ self-efficacy—an influential factor affecting motivation, perseverance, and behaviors. However, there is no quantitative data substantiating its efficacy, which is attributed to the absence of a scale to measure self-efficacy for dictionary use. With the application of the Jishobiki method to college-level English learners in mind, this study attempts to construct and validate a scale measuring English learners’ self-efficacy for dictionary use. In accordance with Bandura’s guideline (2006), two question sets were formulated: one assessing confidence levels in pursuing dictionary consultation under challenging situations and another gauging confidence in the requisite skills for dictionary use. Evaluation encompassing test-retest analysis, correlation with external benchmarks, factor analysis, and internal consistency validated the latter question set. Future research should explore the correlation between this scale and the accuracy and speed of dictionary consultation to enhance its comprehensiveness. If effective dictionary instruction methods are elucidated using this measure, it would lead to the promotion of motivation and self-regulated learning in English learning, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of English learners’ autonomy.
