How to do whatever

Question

So, "How to" is a very common English phrase -- so common, in fact, it represents a genre of books and videos. We might say, "Oh, that's a how-to book."

How-to books, in English, usually start their title with the words "How to." But, the pattern would be more accurately stated: "How + infinitive."

Examples:

1. How to Cook a Roast
2. How to Build a House
3. How to Design a Web Page

These are not complete sentences; they're just common patterns in book, article or video titles. Oddly, I am having a difficult time finding the corresponding pattern in Spanish. So my question is...

How does one say "how to {do whatever}" in Spanish?

Good question Webdunce. I wish I had the answer, but it is something to ponder! - Nicole-B, Jan 9, 2010

Answer 1

Ok Webdunce, you made me very curious. I checked out a site called "Mylibros.com". All of the "How to" books that I saw were titled as "Como + the infinitive". I don't know if there is another general term used, but that was the best answer I could come up with during my period of insomnia tonight.

Here is an example:

Thanks for peaking my interest!

Gracias a tí. Unless a Spanish native comes by and informs us otherwise, I will accept your answer as best. - webdunce, Jan 9, 2010

Is that titled "How to obtain the papers?" - webdunce, Jan 9, 2010

Si. - Nicole-B, Jan 9, 2010

"peak" may look plausible but the word you want is "pique" (as in "to pique ones interest"). - samdie, Jan 9, 2010

Answer 2

Typing "cómo" into the YouTube search bar makes it seem like it is simply "Cómo + infinitive."

Ejemplo:

1. Cómo jugar ...
2. Cómo hacer ...
3. Cómo installar ...

Is this correct? It certainly makes sense.

Answer 3

possibly cómo para.