This dictionary contains over 115,000 references and 200,000 translations, and extensive coverage of common, technical and scientific vocabulary. The emphasis throughout the dictionary is on everyday spoken language and phonetic transcriptions are provided.
I found this dictionary in a hole-in-the-wall bookstore while on vacation. I never use anything else when I am reading in spanish and needing to translate words and phrases. For me the best thing about this dictionary is that when I come across a phrase in a book, I can look up one word and it explains the whole phrase; something I could never have figured out with another dictionary. For example, "A eso de las diez. . ", the entry "eso" tells me at "a eso de" means "about" and even gives an example using time. I have now learned a very useful new phrase that I would not have been able to add to my vocabulary using my other dictionaries. It is rare that I can't locate the meaning of a phrase by looking up a single key word. The print in my 1993 copy is a little fuzzy. I am tempted to order the new edition to see if that has been remedied.
This Spanish Teacher won't use any other bilingual dictionary!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I have taught Spanish for 17 years and studied the language for 27. I found this dictionary in a used book store in Madrid, and have spent the last 5 years buying copies of if for my classroom. It is the most complete dictionary I've ever used, and once you get accustomed to the British English that pervades the dictionary it is very easy to use. Why this dictionary is out of print in the US is beyond me. The only problem with it is that it is so thick, the binding eventually breaks and you will need to tape it. No matter, this dictionary is worth it.
More than a dictionary
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
This dictionary is one of the best Spanish language resource I have ever come across. It is truely bilingual, so it is also useful for Spanish speakers.Apart from the main dictionary, the reference contains a comprehensive grammar section, and the all important verb conjugation tables.In addition to the common word list in the dictionary, you can find a very comprehensive collection of technical and scientific vocabulary.The dictionary mainly focuses on Spanish that's spoken in Spain, but most Latin American variations are clearly identified. The English that's presented in the dictionary is mostly British English, but there are notes on US, Austrian and other English dialects.You will also find many translations of idioms, proverbs, sayings and slangs. For example, in the entry for "wood", you will find entries for "we are not out of the woods yet", "you can't see the wood for trees" and "touch wood".Another feature of this dictionary is that you can find entries for words even in the conjugated form. For example, if you look-up the word "Sepa", it will tell you that this is the present subjunctive form of "Saber".In sum, this book is an invaluable reference if you wish to improve your grasp of the Spanish language.
An excellent dictionary, especially for anyone trying to master English or Spanish. In addition to translations of the selected words, it also gives examples of the words in sentences. It also features helpful summaries of English and Spanish grammar.
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