About a good Spanish-English dictionary

Question

Hi all, I want to buy one Spanish-English dictionary, just want to know any good recommendations???

Hi, please use proper spelling and capitalization in your posts because we have people learning English here on the site. Thanks! - --Mariana--, Jun 24, 2010

Answer 1

I use the Oxford Spanish Dictionary (3rd Edition).... it is very large, reliable and suitable for home use but not exactly a pocket edition haaha As with dictionaries it is compiled by a team of editors/ linguists who have a combined expertise in Spanish and English and includes many idiomatic/colloquial expressions and is clear and well set out...with good explanations

It also comes complete with a CD in the back - well mine did anyway (I thnk they still include one) which, once installed on your computer, allows you to insert text ( max characters: 500) such as words, expressions and extracts from stories which can be spoken by a native Spanish speaker in either Castillian or Mexican Spanish. In that way you can hear what te word/s should sound like. Obviously, it won't be as good as having a Native speaker right there with you lol You can also adjust the volume and speed of the speech.

I have a Collins Concise Spanish Dictionary as well as a Spanish Bi-lingual pocket dictionary (purchased in Barcelona) but the Oxford one is far superior in so much as it is much more comprehensive ! It really depends how seriously you want to study Spanish as well as how much you can afford to pay.

Answer 2

I agree with Feliz and V, the Oxford is a good dictionary. If your keeping it at home get the unabridged one, but if you need a pocket one I suggest an electronic dictionary. I carry my Franklin electronic dictionary (about $30-40 on Amazon.com) everywhere and it's fantastic.

Marianne yes but I use various apps on my Blackberry: Beiks Bilingual Spanish Dictionary, Navita translator, and Penguin Root Spanish verbs - FELIZ77, Jun 24, 2010

It has become my portable language laboratory lol - FELIZ77, Jun 24, 2010

FELIZ77 have you tried Oxford for the blackberry? It rocks! - 002262dd, Jun 24, 2010

Answer 3

If possible, it's best to have several dictionaries around, just to get a variety of translations, which will help you with subtle shades of meanings or regionalisms.

One to check out for your collection is the "Wordsworth Reference Spanish (English) Dictionary", ISBN 840224967. It's the best compact, easily portable dictionary I have come across.

Thanks Mountain Girl your one is worth checking out sometime soon - FELIZ77, Jun 24, 2010

Answer 4

Bienvenido

I use "Oxford Paperback Spanish Dictionary". I was told Merriam-Webster's Spanish-English Dictionary is also good

You can use the online translater here.

Answer 5

I'm with Marianne. At home I tend to use a variety of on-line dictionaries, but for portability I use a Franklin electronic dictionary.

My kids have iPhones and use the SpanishDict app.

Answer 6

One of the ones that I use and that is easy to transport (lol) is The University of Chicago Spanish/English - English/Spanish - paperback version.