Beginning Spanish Dictionary?

[theevil_chie]

Hi there linguaphiles! I have a question for you all

Comments

[ti_ana]

Are you talking about a monolingual Spanish dictionary or a bilingual Spanish-English dictionary? I'm guessing you mean the latter if you're a beginner. I've always used the Oxford Spanish dictionary. The big hardcover version is about $50 (though I bought it for less with a discount coupon at Borders years ago and I'm sure Amazon.com probably offers it for less as well). You can also get a smaller paperback version that's not that bad for about $15 or so, I think. I don't know what you're definition of "super expensive" is, though.

I think that, no matter how much of a beginner you might be, if you're going to buy a dictionary, you might as well buy something useful and consider it an investment for years to come. Most small paperback dictionaries aren't terribly useful for more than a little while anyway.

[theevil_chie]

Yes, bilingual : )

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely look into the Oxford.

[alirose]

I don't remember what dictionary my prof suggested, but whatever you get, also get Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs.

[arctic_silence]

I second this!

[theevil_chie]

Great idea! Thanks : )

[angel_vixen]

My (now dog-eared and well-loved) paperback Larousse dictionary (Spanish-English and English-Spanish) has served me well for over ten years. I would also recommend Barron's 501 Spanish Verbs, as mentioned above, because it is very helpful, especially when you're trying to remember how to conjugate a pesky irregular verb, or in one of the -perfect tenses.

AngelVixen :-)

[theevil_chie]

Thank you :D

[malabar]

The University of Chicago Spanish-English/English-Spanish dictionary is quite good, too.

[theevil_chie]

I've never heard of this one! Thanks!

[bonsly]

I have to completely agree on Barron's 501 Verbs!

Mind me saying, but, while yes, you'll need a dictionary, mastering verbs is what you should focus on. Once you master verb conjugations, you're just about set! Of course, work on the vocab, but personally, I say verbs, verbs, verbs!

And 501 is the book!

[theevil_chie]

After all the recommendations for the 501 book, I think I will definitely be getting it : ) Thank you!