Spanish Pocket Dictionary (Published by Larousse)

By Gary Garrett

You’re saying to yourself “Really? He’s reviewing a dictionary? Alrighty, then.” But seriously folks, a Spanish-English Dictionary can be an invaluable tool for our local English-speaking tourists and those residents that have not honed their Spanish skills as yet. To be sure, there are many available in the US and other English-speaking countries but finding one locally might be a challenge. Here at Jaime Peligro Books and Adventure, we chose what is considered by many to be the best-selling version available today. Published by a 150 year old French publishing company, Larousse, the dictionary comes in 2 handy sizes for pockets, handbags, and backpacks.

The dictionary boasts 150,000 words,expressions, and translations and is a user friendly tool for all your language needs. Good for home or school, it’s designed to provide fast and practical solutions to various problems encountered when reading or listening to present-day Spanish. This newest version also features up-to-date coverage of common abbreviations and acronyms, proper names, business terms, and computer vocabulary. It’s comprehensive and easy to follow layout makes it far superior to other versions. Having owned a couple of different translating dictionaries, I was occasionally frustrated at the exclusion of many different words or word forms that I would try to find. Plus, the publishers included most of the regional Latin-American idioms In the newest version.

Having a physical book rather than relying solely on various internet applications such as Google Translate in our area with it’s sometimes less than stellar internet service is a must for those needing to communicate with Spanish only speakers. I don’t suggest this to be used as a substitute for not studying the language and, in fact, this dictionary is a great classroom tool to help further your Spanish education.

I would encourage those tourists who want an excellent source to help read menus, labels on food products, road signs, and billboards to visit us at Jaime Peligro Books and Adventures and pick up a copy of this best-selling dictionary. We also stock guides on the local wildlife and plants to help you identify and remember what you saw on your Costa Rican vacation. We have hundreds of used English language novels and non-fiction books at low prices in case you need a beach read as well. We are located in Quepos Central next to Century 21, one block west of the bus station and are open 7 days a week, 9am-6pm.  Come by and see us soon!