The University of Chicago Spanish-English Dictionary, Sixth Edition: Diccionario Universidad de Chicago Inglés-Español, Sexta Edición

the University of Chicago Spanish Dictionary is the very best Spanish-English dictionary available. It includes cultural notes and one can always find the needed word.

I am working on upgrading my Spanish and, of course, have on hand to help me do this 20 or 30 books on grammar, lexicon, usage, etc., not to mention reading matter in Spanish. I have a large dictionary and one whose definitions are in Spanish, the "Diccionario Estudiante" put out by the Spanish Royal Academy, containing many Americanisms, giving definitions of all the principal meanings of a word and examples of use. But you still need often to check out the corresponding English word. This pocket dictionary is a neat little supplement, with intelligent and up-to-date word selections and definitions (including many vulgar and colloquial words and expressions), easy to carry, pop it out and review a dozen or so words while you're having coffee or waiting for a bus some place. Sure, it's not the last word in dictionaries, but it's a good word. You won't regret having bought it.

With the fourth edition you had to look up the gender of each noun you learned in the English to Spanish section. That has been corrected now. The definitions have been updated and more commonly used slang is included. Most importantly, you can still fit the book in your pocket (unlike most competing dictionaries). I only picked up the fifth edition because I lost my old pocket dictionary, but it's probably the best purchase I've made for learning Spanish since I started three years ago. Of course there are way better dictionaries available, but this is the absolute best that will fit in the front pocket of your jeans. If that's not something you need to be able to do, then buy the Collins or some other more comprehensive dictionary. The only caveat with this dictionary is that the print is very small.

I have looked hard and long at many different Spanish dictionaries to find the best one. I had never been fully satisfied with any previous dictionary -- until now. This new edition is by far the best, most useful, and easiest to use Spanish dictionary ever. There are several important reasons why I say this. First, right after each Spanish word, it has an easy to read and simple abbreviation in upper case letters to describe the word either as an adjective (ADJ), adverb (ADV), masculine noun (M), femminine noun (F), transitive verb (VT), intransitive verb (VI), etc. This is also done with the English side, with the exception of using N (not M or F) to describe the noun.Second, if a word has multiple meanings, which most do, it gives an example of each usage in parenthesis, and then the correct word to use. Here is an example for the word "check":(stop) refrenar; (restrain) reprimir; (hand over luggage) facturar; (hand over coat) dejar; (verify) verificar; Am chequear; (in chess) dar jaqueThird, you may have noticed in the above example the "Am", which in the book is actually italicized. This refers to the (Latin) American usage of the word chequear. Contrary to the first reviewer, this dictionary does have regional usages, including those for (Latin) America, Spain, Mexico, and Rio de la Plata.Fourth, and maybe the most helpful, and useful aspect, are the multiple idiomatic usages of each word which are included at the end of each word entry. (I should note that each listed word in the dictionary, and the idiomatic phrases are in bold face, which makes things even easier). Here are the ones for the word "cheap" (I added the / mark, which is not in the book):life is -- there /la vida no vale nada alli; talk is -- /hablar no cuesta nada; to feel -- /sentirse despreciable; -- shot/ golpe bajo; --skate/ tacaño -ñaFifth, are the many new words used today in both English and Spanish involving technology, pop culture, medicine, science, and other modern usages. Also, many common vulgar terms and idioms are included, which are marked by the abbreviations "pej" for pejorative and "vulg" for vulgar.For all those who have never been fully satisfied with the Spanish dictionaries they own, or who are looking for the best one to buy, this is MUST HAVE!!!

This is the best Spanish Dictionary I have ever used. I own four of them and I find this to be the best. 1.The Short history of the language is fantastic. It really explains some things beginner student will want to know. 2. The verb conjugations are necessary. If a dictionary doesn't have this, don't buy it. 3. It uses standard phonetic dictation. I reccomend all students of any language learn how to use the phonetic symbols. They will tell you how to speak the word very clearly. 4. The grammer section is good and brief, more than I would expect from a dictionary. 5. It explains regional differences. This is a must for Spanish since 22 countries speak it and there are regional differences between the regions. 6. It conveys shades of meaning quite well. The English to Spanish translation is very good. 7. The idiom table is very good. I used this dictionary in Mexico, and is the only spanish book I wouldn't be caught dead without while I was down there.