Summary

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

Author Biography

Pedro Vázquez Bermejo is a Spanish teacher living in London. He tutors privately as well as being the BBC's in-house Spanish teacher. He is a proofreader, editor and adviser on Sega multilingual role games at Soho Voice Over Studios.

Susana Wald is a language instructor, translator and publisher.

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, Money129

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

Supplemental Materials

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.