This hands-on resource shows you the ins and outs of the Spanish language and culture, acting as both a guidebook and a reference. This updated edition features hints to start speaking Spanish quickly, as well as common expressions and phrases that'll make you sound fluent.

The fast and painless way to learn to speak Spanish

Are you a student studying Spanish; a traveler gearing up for a trip to a Spanish-speaking country; or someone who simply wants to communicate with Spanish-speaking friends, neighbors, and colleagues? Spanish For Dummies is your hands-on guide for quickly and painlessly grasping the basics of speaking Spanish. You'll get a handle on grammar, essential vocabulary, verb conjugations, and pronunciations in no time!

• Spanish 101 — learn to recite the alphabet; pronounce words and phrases; and meet, greet, and exchange pleasantries with other Spanish speakers

• It's as easy as uno, dos, tres — discover how to ask key questions, chat about the weather, describe family members, order food, talk about where you live, and more

• Happy trails — take your Spanish on the road and discover how to plan a trip, exchange your money for local currency, get around with various modes of transportation, and check into a hotel

• Take care of business — grasp the essential Spanish language skills you need to talk on the phone and perform everyday tasks at the office

Audio CD Includes

More than 30 conversations that reinforce lessons from the book

Open the book and find:

• Basic grammar and common expressions

• Sentence structure and verb conjugations

• Formal and informal greetings

• Information on numbers, time, and measurements

• Pointers for describing everyday activities in Spanish

• Tips for making small talk, asking for directions, and more

• Fun activities to help you practice your Spanish skills

• Spanish-English and English-Spanish dictionaries

Learn to

• Speak Spanish quickly and effectively

• Master basic grammar, verb conjugations, vocabulary, and pronunciationsTake your skills to the next level with real-life conversations on the accompanying CD