Spanish: Actually Helpful Resources for Learning It

More than once lately I’ve promised someone I would share with them some resources for learning Spanish. So while I’m sharing with them, I might as well share with you as well!

Learning Spanish is an ongoing process. Just as you continue learning in your native language (I hope!), no matter how much you learn you will still have more to learn. Which makes things interesting.

Here are some of the resources that will actually be helpful for you, with a link and a brief description.

Synergy Spanish
If you want to actually converse in Spanish, and want to get beyond the phrase book, this is the #1 resource I would recommend. In fact, even if you’ve taken Spanish in school, but you’re struggling to actually put the words together in a conversation, I would start here. Seriously, if you want to actually speak Spanish with real people, invest in Synergy Spanish.

This is especially great for people who have opportunities to listen to audio. It’s a simple repeat-after-me format, but the way it’s taught is genius. For my previous review, see You could be speaking Spanish (on that trip to Mexico).

Format: Audio/ebook (can be downloaded or delivered)
Cost: About $70 (for downloadable 68 lessons)

Vis-Ed Think Spanish
Cards – made of paper – you’d be surprised how effective they can be.  Vis-Ed has two sets of “Think Spanish” cards (the link takes you to the first one), and various other sets of Spanish cards. In the case of Think Spanish, there is no English on the cards (hence teaching you to think in Spanish), only pictures with questions and answers. A CD is also included. These are really excellent. Other card sets available here: Vis-Ed Language Study Cards

Format: cards and CD
Cost: About $20 per set, varies

DuoLingo
I know it’s taken a while to get to the apps and websites, but that’s because I think the top two options are fantastic. But DuoLingo, although it doesn’t have the advantages of the above (quick ability to actually converse, learning to think in Spanish), it’s still useful for expanding your knowledge.

DuoLingo is a website or app that you can use anytime, anywhere, to learn Spanish. You go through a series of tests on a topic, and advance at your own pace, with opportunities to review or learn special topics. You can even compete with your friends. It’s easy, and you can pick it up anytime and strengthen your skills.

Format: Online, or app
Cost: Free

Breaking Out of Beginner’s Spanish
This book is for those who have learned some Spanish, but want to learn some of the subtleties. Not in the sense of learning obscure words, but instead learning common words that real people use but which aren’t necessarily taught in school. How do you avoid common English-speaker mistakes? What are some common idioms you need to know? What about swear words? Well, maybe skip that chapter. Do you want to know what that man you just cut off in traffic is actually saying? Maybe not!

Format: ebook or book
Cost: around $13

Spanish Verb Manual
This book is no longer in print, which means you might find it pretty cheap. Although you can look up any verb with an app or on the net, sometimes it’s helpful to see them laid out in black and white. This is a fantastic reference, if that’s what you want. It even covers pretty obscure verbs, like chiclear (to chew gum).

Format: book
Cost: ?

Ultralingua
The best dictionary app I’ve found. Works offline, shows 17,500 verb conjugations, some 40,000 phrases, slang and technical terms, and you can save favourites.  Awesome.

Note: I mention another dictionary app below which does appear to have more words. I don’t own the full version of the Word Magic dictionary, just one or two of the terminology dictionaries. Ultralingua is a little cheaper than the other unabridged app.

The link above should take you to the Canadian iTunes store. Here’s the US store link. It’s also available for Android, Mac and Windows.

Format: app
Cost: about $20

WordRefence.com
I realize I’m getting a little more into reference material here, but this website really is one of the best places to check words and conjugations online. If you’re trying to figure something out, the forums are invaluable as real people discuss words and phrases. If you really want to investigate how to say something, go here instead of to Google Translate (which is useful, don’t get me wrong).

Format: website and app
Cost: free

Other Stuff
These are a little more advanced, or for a specific purpose:

• Bilingual Dictionary of Mexican Spanish
• Diccionario de Jergas de Habla Hispana (dictionary of Spanish slang)
• English-Spanish Unabridged Dictionary This is an iOS app from Word Magic. Actually, you can either get the unabridged version, or individual dictionaries (medical, legal, slang). Here’s the link to the US iTunes store.
• Mexican Expressions A simple little book that’s a lot of fun.
• Collins Spanish Dictionary and Grammar This is a brand new version; we have an older edition. A lot packed into one book.