Spanish For Dummies

Say ¡hola! to instant Spanish
Whether you're travelling for a week's getaway or setting up a new life in Spain, this book is the perfect tool to get you up and running. From help with the basics to techniques for honing your conversation skills, this easy-to-use book helps you understand and be understood in European Spanish. Taking you step-by-step through the pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, you'll be speaking Spanish with confidence in no time.

• Grasp the basics - learn some simple Spanish, discover how words are pronounced and become familiar with key grammar rules
• Hit the town - order food and drink when you're out and about and get to know the locals
• Spend your money - work your way around the shops with ease and master currency lingo
• Find your way - navigate your way around and learn how to ask for and understand directions

Open the book and find:

• Handy greetings and introductions
• How to speak like a local
• Essential grammar rules
• Pronunciation tips
• Advice on navigating public transport systems
• How to call for help in an emergency

Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started 7
Chapter 1: Realising that You Know a Little Spanish Already 9
Chapter 2: Getting Down to the Nitty-Gritty: Basic Spanish Grammar 27
Part II: Spanish in Action 41
Chapter 3: ¡Hola! Hello! Greetings and Introductions 43
Chapter 4: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk 57
Chapter 5: Dining Out 67
Chapter 6: Shopping Made Easy 79
Chapter 7: Organising a Night on the Town 97
Chapter 8: Enjoying Yourself: Recreation 105
Chapter 9: Talking on the Telephone 117
Part III: Spanish on the Go 127
Chapter 10: Money, Money, Money 129
Chapter 11: Asking Directions: ¿Dónde Está? (Where Is It?) 137
Chapter 12: Checking into a Hotel 151
Chapter 13: Getting Around: Planes, Trains, Taxis and More 165
Chapter 14: Planning a Trip 179
Chapter 15: Handling Emergencies 189
Part IV: The Part of Tens 205
Chapter 16: Ten (Plus Two) Favourite Spanish Expressions 207
Chapter 17: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Fluent in Spanish 213
Part V: Appendixes 219
Appendix A: Mini-Dictionary 221
Appendix B: Spanish Verbs 239
Index 249