5 comments about Breaking Out of Beginner's Spanish.

1. I am reading this book everyday and im having fun learning new things in a totally different and unique way.



2. I recommend this book to those who have learned a fair amount of Spanish words... those used commonly in Spanish magazines and on Spanish television. That is not to say, that you are fluent in Spanish, but can conjugate most verbs easily if given the time. It's a great stepping stone to get to the next level of understanding. It really pinpoints the "actual" usages of words and without the multitudes of definitions in dictionaries that are rarely if ever used. It focuses on the real-world usage. I only wish there were a sequel to this book.



3. The only thing wrong with this excellent book is the title. This is not for beginners - the author assumes that you already have a good working knowledge of the tenses, and that you have at least made a few forays into the subjunctive. 'Breaking out of Intermediate Spanish' would have been a more accurate title.
   
   Intelligently written, accessible without being patronising, the the best way to characterise the book would be as a companion to learning; it is not a textbook and does not try to be.
   
   It is however a godsend for people who, like me, find that their conversational level lags behind their academic knowledge of Spanish. The author gives you the all-important sentence starters (es que, resulta que, fijate, la verdad es que ... etc) and explains exactly what they mean in context and when to use them. He also shows you how to get a grip on those almost-meaningless but indispensable fillers (pues, bueno, lo que pasa es que...) which serve the dual purpose of giving you a breathing space while making you sound more fluent and natural. Other chapters include a focus on 64 of the trickiest verbs, how to develop automatic 'snappy answers' (imaginate! no puede ser, da igual), as well as the notorious falsos amigos.
   
   The author is particularly good at illuminating concepts that resist direct translation from English to Spanish ('to become' springs to mind) and encouraging a real understanding of the difference in perspective between the two languages.
   
   Unlike many language-teaching books, which often have a irritating tendency to imply that somehow you 'ought' to know this or that, this author gives the impression that he is entirely on your side, as a learner - he acknowledges all the the frustrations, puzzles, ambiguities and irritations, as well as the excitements, of learning another language. He admits to having learnt Spanish 'the hard way', and there are none of the usual boasts about how he became fluent in a few months or whatever, which can be so discouraging for those of us who find the spoken language difficult. The emphasis is on South American Spanish, but if you are learning European Spanish, don't worry, because where there are differences, the book points them out.
   
   Finally it is never boring - you can sit back, relax and enjoy it - quite an achievement for a book on foreign language acquisition! Highly recommended.



4. Easy to read, well arranged, and very informative. I picked up tidbits immediately that I could use in most speaking situations.



5. Great book! I have so many I almost didn't order it, but I'm so glad I did!

5 comments about Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar.

1. This was much easier to comprehend than most of the "Practice Makes Perfect" books. It was definitely for beginners. This was the first book in the series that I got, so it was a good place to begin.



2. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). Although we may wish there was a magic wand that we could wave to suddenly have verb conjugations, prepositions and pronouns drilled into our brains, the fact of the matter is that the only real way to understand and remember grammar is to practice it.
   
   This comprehensive book lays out the most common Spanish grammar rules and provides plenty of exercises to make sure that you can practice your knowledge and make sure that you understand each concept thoroughly.
   
   Each section of the book deals with a particular element of grammar independently. This means that you can study one aspect without having to have a strong understanding of others. (Although by the time you have worked through the book you should have a solid grasp of most aspects of basic Spanish grammar.) This also means that you can work through the chapters in any order, dealing with any grammatical element that you need during your studies.
   
   The focus of the book is clearly set on grammar, and little else, so it is assumed that you have at least a basic understanding and vocabulary of Spanish while working through the lessons and exercises. However, the vocabulary used in the book is fairly standard, dealing with day to day situations that most students will be familiar with. There is also a glossary of many words in the back of the book for reference. Because of that, this book is an excellent choice for a beginner student, as the exercises will not only reinforce their understanding of Spanish grammar, but the basic vocabulary covered in most introductory courses too.
   
   There are some translation exercises which are more suited to students beyond a basic level, but this just increases the usefulness and longevity of the book. If one exercise is too challenging, you can come back to it when your vocabulary has caught up.
   
   The lessons are laid out in a logical and easy to follow order, and the style of writing is interesting and friendly. Explanations are all clear and easy to understand and not so long as to be confusing or overwhelming.
   
   Investing in this book will make your life easier as you try to absorb Spanish grammar and will give you a great reference book for the future.
   
   
   
   In closing my review of this product, I'd like to share with you the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish. If you are truly serious about achieving fluency, I'd recommend getting all 3 of them if you can afford it.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the Spanish vocabulary words and phrases from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs. Especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs and who is looking for a new way to make learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an easy and fun activity
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions entirely in Spanish. I use this one mainly because it was highly-recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish. According to him, this is the "standard" among university level Spanish professors.
   



3. This is without a doubt the best Spanish grammar book I have used and at a very low price. It assumes some previous exposure to Spanish either through introductory books or maybe a class or two. I had some Spanish in high school 9 years prior to reading this book and listened to 8 audio CDs from a so-so program and that was all I needed to get started with this book. I went from having a weak understanding of grammar to knowing it pretty well after I worked through the book. I have gone through it more than once over the years (suggestion: don't write your answers in the book, use sheets of paper), and still use it to this day.
   
   I did not notice many errors in the book as some of the other reviewers mentioned, but I did notice that the answers in the back of the book sometimes use different words than were taught in the lessons in which the questions are asked. Those answers are still correct, and it does not occur too frequently.



4. An excellent overview of the principles of Spanish grammar, this book is suited especially to students who have had several years of experience with the language and need to "brush up." Each of the 16 units (chapters) contains helpful exercises that reinforce lessons learned. The topics have been carefully selected and are presented in a sequence that is helpful and logical. A convenient answer guide and two dictionaries are included at the end of the book. Highly recommended for those who believe that they are "fluent" but really have a lot more to learn.



5. This is a wonderful tool for explaining and learning Spanish grammar. The instructions are clear and organized. The mini- exercises with answer keys in the back are very helpful. This book works especially well in a homeschool setting as the directions and explanations are in English.

5 comments about Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Pronouns And Prepositions.

1. I have been studying Spanish on my own for the last year or so, using various books, audio, and computer programs. I'm at an intermediate level and have been finding it hard to get out of beginning Spanish and move comfortably to more advanced levels. Thank goodness I finally found the "Practice Makes Perfect" series. I wasted my time with most of those other books and programs. These books provide excellent explanations and enough exercises to allow you to truly learn and understand the language. Of course you might have to buy more than one, since they each focus on different aspects of the language, but it's worth it. So far I've purchased Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Pronouns And Prepositions, Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses, and Practice Makes Perfect: The Spanish Subjunctive Up Close. I'm working with the first two at the same time--I've found that they supplement each other pretty well.



2. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). This book is one in the highly praised Practice Makes Perfect series. Written by Dorothy Richmond, the author of many other great Spanish language books, the writing is light hearted and engaging despite the dry subject matter.
   
   Finding ways to make studying pronouns and prepositions more fun is a challenge, but one that the author succeeds at, creating a book that covers some of the more difficult and frustrating details of the Spanish language in a way that is both easy to understand and entertaining.
   
   Pronouns and prepositions often pose a problem to students of Spanish because they work quite differently than they do in English, and yet they are important for key concepts. Ignoring them or using them in the wrong way can change the meaning of your sentence, and leave the person you are trying to communicate with confused. While the words themselves may be small, for example `lo', `por' and `mi', their impact on your fluency is big.
   
   There are many exercises provided to help you test how well you have grasped each concept, and these interactive lessons are a great way to practice your knowledge and apply what you have learned. Unlike some other text books, the book allows space for you to make notes and complete the exercises on each page, rather than needed to have a separate notebook. This makes it easy to carry around and use as a study tool wherever you go.
   
   Although the book assumes that you already have some Spanish vocabulary there is also a glossary at the back for easy reference if one of the exercises uses a word that you are unfamiliar with. The translation text exercises at the end of each section provide interesting vocabulary, and strengthen your understanding of how the element is put into practice.
   
   This book is not designed for complete beginners, who may get bogged down and overwhelmed by the in depth explanations of each grammatical element, but is a great resource for intermediate students who already have a good grasp of basic Spanish grammar and want to perfect their use of pronouns and prepositions.
   
   All of the explanations are clear and the book is laid out in a logical order, making it easy to follow. If you are trying to get over these particular stumbling blocks on your way to fluency then this book is a good resource.
   
   
   In closing my review of this product, I'd like to share with you the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish. If you are truly serious about achieving fluency, I'd recommend getting all 3 of them if you can afford it.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the Spanish vocabulary words and phrases from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs. Especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs and who is looking for a new way to make learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an easy and fun activity
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions entirely in Spanish. I use this one only because it was highly-recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish.



3. BUY THIS BOOK ALONG WITH ITS COMPANION ON VERBS AND LEARN ALOT FOR A SMALL PRICE!
   
   HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!



4. The book is really great for when you need a lot of extra practice and whatnot. Definitely worth it



5. I had studied Spanish for 8 years in school, and I never bothered much with learning prepositions or pronouns: such little words, what's the point in obsessing over them?
   
   After having left school, I started working for a company with a high number of Spanish speakers. When I would try to converse with my co-workers, I found myself getting tripped up on simple words. I knew what I wanted to say-- I knew the nouns, adjectives, and verbs-- but I just couldn't connect them all together to make a coherent sentence. It was really embarrassing because they are such basic words. Maybe my co-workers could still understand what I was saying, but I just did not feel comfortable with knowing that I was sounding like Tarzan.
   
   This book was exactly what I needed. It hones in on very specific types of pronouns and prepositions-- from the most basic (subject pronouns) to the more advanced (use of cuyo, lo que, RID formula, passive voice, etc.) to the downright tricky for English speakers (para vs por).
   
   After having gone through this book, I was surprised to have learned so much valuable information-- though I was also slightly embarrassed because I realized just how many mistakes I had been making when I conversed with fluent speakers. But I realize that that is part of speaking another language and trying to become bilingual: you have to make mistakes in order to learn. Sometimes the little things really do matter! As the writer explains in the book, unlike with nouns, adjectives, and verbs, there really is no way to get around expressing most pronouns and prepositions. Substitutes just don't work! You have to know them (and how to use them in sentences.)
   
   I would definitely recommend this book for intermediate students, or for more advanced students to use as a review. This book is probably not the best choice for beginners (you would definitely have to use a dictionary for all the exercises), but since the information is so valuable, I would recommend it for future use and reference.

5 comments about Spanish For Dummies Audio Set.

1. everything seems to be scratch-free, and it was just what I was looking for. :)



2. I am just starting to use it and so far I am learning, not as fast I would like but I am not spending a lot of time on it.



3. This is a good product. I was specifically looking for cd's that i could listen to in the car (rather than having to sit at the computer)while traveling for work, and this offered me the ability to do such. I like it!



4. I picked this up because of the "Dummies" brand name and the cheap price. I was very happy with the sound quality. Some language courses have terrible sound quality. The course is very, very basic which is fine and it is a good place to start. My only regret is that the CD's that I purchased use the pronounciation found in Spain and not Latin America. Because I know the difference I do not pronounce the words as they are given, but as I know them. All in all a good purchase and no real waste of money given the price.



5. I ordered Spanish for dummies to refresh my knowledge for a second Spanish course and this helped tremendously. I was happy to learn quickly all that I had forgotten.

5 comments about Merriam-Webster's Spanish-English Dictionary.

1. This is a small dictionary with everything you need, including phrasing examples. I know very little Spanish, but needed something quick to talk to the crew which was working on my house. I found the task frustrating, as I am sure they did as well. This little book did the trick. Was able to explain exactly what I needed and get a job well done.



2. The old saying about dictionaries being obsolete by the time they are printed is less true now, with our modern technology, but there remains another weak link in the chain that we seldom talk about when reviewing dictionaries: the user. As a professor of Spanish (Golden Age) and as a professional translator (technical and literary), I am a dictionary junkie. That means I have all sorts of dictionaries, each with its particular strengths.
   
   If a person uses a dictionary for what it is not meant to be and encounter problems, it is not from a weakness of the dictionary, but rather a misunderstanding of the user. "Don't use a screwdriver for a hammer" and then complain that it doesn't allow you to drive or remove nails well.
   
   This dictionary is not going to give users the regional nuances of certain words. It isn't a source of information about comparative usage. For that, there are other dictionaries and reference materials, such as Cassell's beyond the dictionary in Spanish;: A handbook of everyday usage -- with a slight inclination toward Peninsular Spanish, written from the perspective of British English -- and a wonderful book. There is also Dictionary of Spoken Spanish.



3. Middle school kids use this often to assist with their homework. Print is small for Mom, but kids have found this book very helpful.



4. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). One of the most recognized and trusted names in reference books, you expect a dictionary from Merriam-Webster to be high quality, and the Spanish-English Dictionary doesn't disappoint.
   
   
   Many words include sample sentences so that you can see how the word is used in context, allowing you to make suitable word choices or extract even subtle meanings. These phrases are often useful and a handy way to build your vocabulary.
   
   The dictionary is up to date, with many modern and idiomatic words and phrases to help you translate even slang Spanish. While other dictionaries may be old fashioned in their choice of what words to include, or may not cover some more modern expressions, this reference tool is comprehensive and contemporary.
   
   With a helpful section at the front on the basics of Spanish grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and conjugation, the dictionary is great for brushing up on any language issues that you are struggling with.
   
   The introduction on how to get the most out of the dictionary is also a useful resource, ensuring that you can find what you are looking for quickly and easily.
   
   All of the definitions are laid out in familiar Merriam-Webster format, and are clear and easy to read despite the dictionary's small size.
   
   Ideal for checking spelling, meaning, context and conjugation, the dictionary is aimed primarily at English speakers looking to learn Spanish, but works well for native Spanish speakers learning English as a second language too... a testament to just how accurate and useful both the definitions and examples are.
   
   As tiny in size as it is big in usefulness, the dictionary will fit into just about any bag or purse and is sure to be used time and time again. Much more comprehensive than most travel or pocket sized dictionaries, if you are looking for a portable but powerful Spanish-English dictionary then this is the one to buy.
   
   
   In closing my review of this product, I'd like to share with you the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish. If you are truly serious about achieving fluency, I'd recommend getting all 3 of them if you can afford it.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the Spanish vocabulary words and phrases from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs. Especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs and who is looking for a new way to make learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an easy and fun activity
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions entirely in Spanish. I use this one only because it was highly-recommended by a friend from Spain who teaches Spanish.
   



5. My daughter is teaching herself Spanish and has found this dictionary to be very easy to use and extremely helpful to her studies.

5 comments about Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish: A Creative and Proven Approach.

1. I thought that the "Practice Makes Perfect" books were going to be better than this one, but this was a clearer, more concise book. It's challenging for beginners, but stays within the limits of a beginner. It helps to build up a good foundation to learn the language.



2. I bought this book based on all the wonderful reviews and I love it! What a great, simplistic, and convenient approach to learning spanish. I study on my own with it and then practice what I learn with friends who speak Spanish! I have also bought 4 other copies for friends! I highly recommend this book!



3. This is a good reference for learning the basics of language. It's easy to use and really does work if you put in the time and effort.



4. THIS BOOK MAKES LEARNING SPANISH FUN. IT IS A GREAT WAY TO START LEARNING.



5. it's so easy to learn using this book - the way she has it. you read it & instead of studying you just read and all of the sudden you are able to speak spanish a little. the more you read the more you learn. it's awesome. I wish she'd write one for every language!

5 comments about Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses.

1. Well written...Good for any level...easily explained...Just have to keep at it...I have had other beginner's in Spanish but none were as good as this in verbal comprehension



2. I DON'T LIKE TO STUDY OR READ, BUT THIS BOOK MAKES LEARNING INTERESTING. BELIEVE ME, YOU WILL LEARN ALOT FOR LESS THAN $10.00.
   
   ABSOLUTELY GREAT PURCHASE!!!



3. I studied spanish waaaay back in middle & high school but have forgotten practically everything except the basics, i.e. present tense conjugation of a few regular -ar, -er, -ir verbs. These days, so many people approach me speaking Spanish, it's a shame not to be able to reply. This book is a great resource for me. I attend a Spanish conversation club but I have a "terrible" ear. I'm a visual learner - I need to see the word & write it so it "sticks". This workbook provides plenty of simple written exercises. Plus the explanations are clear & straightforward (why aren't school textbooks written this way?). If you are an auditory learner, this workbook might not be enough for you - try something like the more-affordable-than-RosettaStone Berlitz Spanish Premier (Win/Mac) w. interactive video & audio. But if you are 1) an avid notetaker, 2) absorb new information best when it is written & 3) like the structure of a book you can work your way through, I HIGHLY recommend this for you.



4. This book has been one of the best ways for me to practise my Spanish verb tenses. If fact this is my second time Ive gone through this workbook. A clear, concise, progressive way to learn Spanish verb tenses.



5. I'm just learning spanish and this is a great workbook to help with the verbs

5 comments about 501 Spanish Verbs: with CD-ROM (Barron's Foreign Language Guides).

1. Great Verb book. Easy to use and has lots of helps in it. Highly recommend this book for anyone taking Spanish!!!



2. I got this book for my daughter that needed it in her college course! We checked other places for it and it cost $30 or more! I loved the price on Amazon much better! The book arrived on time and was in great condition!!! My daughter is still enjoying this book, so I guess we both are happy!!!



3. I bought this kindle addition because I am planning on living in a Spanish speaking country for a couple of years. I also wanted to take many on my books along on my Kindle to avoid the hassle and weight of bound books. I love my paperback addition and use it almost daily as I study Spanish. However, the size of the print and the inability to adjust the font or use the magnifier makes it almost useless on my Kindle 2. It might be OK on the Kindle DX but I would not recommend it for the smaller Kindle 2. By the way, I do love my Kindle after 2 months, I find I read much more with less fatigue.



4. I purchased the Kindle to put this book and other reference books on it for travel. The 501 Verbs does not work on the Kindle. The pages with the conjugated verbs function like a picture on the Kindle, so you cannot increase the size of the type (and it is VERY tiny) and when you search for a verb it only gives you references that are in sentence use and not the page that the full verb conjugation in on. The Kindle may be good for reading a traditional book from front to back, but it is frustrating to use with reference materials. I returned the book, as I have it in paperback, and I may end up returning the kindle as it is not going to meet my needs. From what I read, the Spanish-English dictionaries are also of poor quality, even though at least one can now be integrated. I am sure the technology is difficult to establish with the level of sophistication and responsiveness that I would like, but this does not do it.



5. Speedy delivery, the book is practically new and in perfect condition, my old one is falling apart, hard to find this at the bookstore. I'm very happy with the service. Thanks!!!

5 comments about 1001 Most Useful Spanish Words (Beginners' Guides).

1. This is an additional resource to my Spanish-English software, audio CD's and internet forums and online dictionaries. Very helpful when on the go.



2. This book is compact, with well chosen vocabulary. He has recognized the need to learn a word and fix it in memory by using it in a sentence and has provided the English translations to reinforce it. You couldn't ask for more in a book designed to build vocabulary.
   
   As a professor of Spanish with 30 years of experience, I have accumulated a lot of hints for building vocabulary. One is to get a book like this! Another is to look up the vocabulary you find yourself using -- this could be professional or social. This list will be somewhat different for everyone. For instance, if you install doors for a living and have to speak to Spanish speakers on the job, you will need to know the words for "hinge," "door knob" and "screws." But the average person only will need to know the words for "door," and "key," as well as associated vocabulary such as "open," "close," etc. Another hint I have is to label the objects you commonly use, or pictures of them. Don't forget to learn the article associated with the nouns so you will remember if they are masculine or feminine.
   
   Eventually, putting your vocabulary to use in meaningful and communicative ways will require you to master grammar. Beginners, as they move into intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish, will have to learn the ins and outs of many areas of grammar.
   
   Without a doubt, if you build a vocabulary, you'll have the building blocks; grammar is the cement that allows you to put it all together correctly.
   
   Enjoy the process and keep working at it!
   
   Sincerely,
   
   Eric W. Vogt, Ph.D.



3. This is James from James Spanish (the learning Spanish blog). Learning 1001 of the most useful Spanish words might not make you fluent, but it is certainly enough to make yourself understood in most circumstances, even if you have no prior knowledge of Spanish.
   
   Not only does the book provide a hefty serving of vocabulary, but it also uses each word in a sentence in Spanish, letting you see how it is used. These sentences are also handy in and of themselves, building your repertoire of Spanish. The example sentences for each word have been carefully chosen, to show the most common usage and many times you may find that while searching for just one word you find the exact full sentence that you were trying to say.
   
   The words are organized by topic, and then alphabetically so it is fast and easy to find the words that you are looking for. Since the words are sorted into categories you will often find many useful words and sentences to fit your situation on the same page.
   
   While a standard dictionary may have you flipping back and forth to find the names of different fruits while you are at the market, this book will present many of them to you in the same section, along with useful words to help you make a purchase, and many sentences that will come in handy.
   
   As these are the 1001 Most Useful Spanish Words, you can also be confident that the words you need most will be right at your fingertips. No leafing past lists of words that people rarely use... each word is carefully included because it is valuable to have. For this reason, it is also a good idea to take the time to really read through the book to familiarize yourself with these words, as well as the example sentences.
   
   The book is a great accompaniment to any full language course, providing extra samples of how words are used. As the example sentences use different tenses and pronouns, they can also help you to understand how various elements of grammar are applied too.
   
   Light and small, this book is extremely portable, fitting into any bag or even a pocket. It is even slim enough to slip inside one of your sturdier books. At such a low price it is a must-have addition to your Spanish learning library.
   
   These are the three Amazon products that I have found most helpful in my pursuit to learn Spanish.
   
   1. Lights, Camera, Spanish (Book + DVD): Learn Conversational Spanish by Watching a Romantic Adventure This is actually a 90 minute movie for Spanish-language learners. It gives the option to watch the movie with subtitles but I'd recommend not using them to improve your Spanish. This "movie" also includes a workbook so that you can reinforce the dialog from the film. The workbook also has lots of exercises to keep you engaged in the film and to reinforce the Spanish that you learn. But be prepared to hear Chilean accents. Although pleasent to the ear, the accents from Chile are very different from most Latin American accents.
   
   2. Verbarrator Version 1.1 (Windows Version) This software replaces the traditional verb conjugation books and makes learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs an interactive and fun activity. This should be a required resource for anyone who wants to improve their ability to conjugate Spanish verbs, especially anyone who is challenged by the drudgery of learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs.
   
   3. Diccionario esencial de la lengua espanola de la Real Academia Espanola (Spanish Edition) If you are really serious about speaking the language fluently, then at some point you will need to replace your Spanish-English dictionary and get a pure Spanish dictionary with both the vocabulary words and the definitions are entirely in Spanish.



4. This book has helped me a lot, and it is very easy to carry around. The price was great, and it came in a few days. I have been using it ever since



5. This is without a doubt the best "learning Spanish" book I have purchased. I have bought a lot of books too. The example sentence with each definition is very effective. It automatically helps with more than just the word presented.
   
   The price makes this book a must-have. You feel really good about your highly effective, two dollar Spanish book.
   
   Also worth a look is "Easy Spanish Phrase Book." This book is about the same size and price. It is almost as good.
   
   These books are perfect when you are a dollar or so short of making it to free shipping. ;-)

5 comments about Easy Spanish Phrase Book: Over 770 Basic Phrases for Everyday Use (Dover Easy Phrase) (Spanish and English Edition).

1. I would recommend this product for a beginner. It helps to pronounce words and phrases for traveling. Okay to get around in.



2. I know a little Spanish but not as much as I'd like. Got this book for a recent trip to Mexico and found it very helpful. Easy to find what you're looking for and just about every phrase you'd commonly use. I've used it since to better communicate with some contractors I am currently working with.



3. VERY BASIC PHRASE BOOK. NOT THE BEST, BUT WILL BE HANDY IF NEEDED. THE PRICE IS PHENOMENAL: ONLY 2.00.
   
   WELL WORTH THE MONEY...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



4. After listening to the Pimsleur audio tapes, I picked up a copy. Execellent for checking pronunciation, phrasings, and sentence structure. Helps build up the vocabulary rather quickly. At this price, just pick it up and make the time to go through it.



5. This book will literally help you with basic Spanish. I can now communicate with Spanish speaking people! This book will not only help you speak Spanish, but also help you read and write it. If you want to learn Spanish, this is the best book to start with.