Full Description
Learn to speak Latin American Spanish with confidence—the easy way
Spanish For Dummies gets you started with the Spanish language, even if you've never learned a language before. The trusted Dummies language learning method is quick and practical, so you'll know what to say and do when traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or interacting with Spanish speakers in your community. You'll learn the basics of Spanish grammar and pronunciation, and then you'll explore common phrases you'll need in everyday situations. Get ready to study, work, or travel abroad—or integrate Spanish into your everyday life. This essential resource helps you make small talk, understand common expressions, navigate business settings, ask for directions, go to the doctor, and beyond.
Learn how Latin American Spanish works—grammar, pronunciation, and important constructions
Build your vocabulary and learn common expressions you'll hear while abroad
Brush up your conversation skills with authentic dialogues, plus follow along with online audio
Get practice reading, writing, and speaking Spanish, so you're ready to communicate effectively
With Spanish For Dummies, students, travelers, and business professionals can gain the confidence to converse in Spanish.
Contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started 7
Chapter 1: Spanish in a Nutshell 9
Chapter 2: Warming Up with Spanish Grammar Basics 21
Chapter 3: Getting Started with Basic Expressions 39
Chapter 4: Getting Your Numbers, Times, and Measurements Straight 59
Chapter 5: Speaking Spanish at Home 77
Part 2: Spanish in Action 101
Chapter 6: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk 103
Chapter 7: Asking for Directions 115
Chapter 8: Dining Out and Going to the Market 127
Chapter 9: Shopping Made Easy 147
Chapter 10: Going Out on the Town 165
Chapter 11: Taking Care of Business and Telecommunications 177
Chapter 12: Recreation and the Great Outdoors 195
Part 3: Spanish on the Go 211
Chapter 13: Planning a Trip 213
Chapter 14: Dealing with Money in a Foreign Land 223
Chapter 15: Getting Around: Planes, Trains, Taxis, and More 233
Chapter 16: Finding a Place to Stay 253
Chapter 17: Handling Emergencies 265
Part 4: The Part of Tens 283
Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Pick Up Spanish Quickly 285
Chapter 19: Ten Things Never to Say in Spanish 289
Chapter 20: Ten (or So) Common Spanish Expressions 293
Chapter 21: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Fluent in Spanish 297
Part 5: Appendixes 303
Appendix A: Mini-Dictionaries 305
Appendix B: Verb Tables 335
Appendix C: Answer Keys 351
Index 357
