1000 Spanish Words in Context

A Self-Study Guide for Spanish Language Learners (Essential Vocabulary Series)

By: Alex Forero

Narrated by: Michelle Leon

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

I have put together a comprehensive list of the 1000 most used words in Spanish with Spanish and English sentences.

Learning a language really takes time and effort. Don't be fooled. Ongoing dedication really will get you through.

You can use this list to build up your knowledge of Spanish words. It is a comprehensive list with examples of the words in English and Spanish to give you a good idea of how to use the word.

I recommend setting yourself achievable targets to make sure you stay on track with your learning. You could aim to learn 10 words (or less if you wish) a day. Five in the morning and five for the afternoon with the evening to check you remember them all. That may sound a lot to learn but consider all the times you have free when you could quickly learn a new verb. For example on the bus, waiting for the bus, on the toilet (when there are very few distractions!), during your lunch break, when you wake up in bed, when eating your breakfast, just before you shower (to practice in the shower), when you are waiting for someone; the list goes on and so do your opportunities to learn.

So don't be overwhelmed by learning a new language. Set yourself small daily goals and time will fly. Before you know it you will find yourself with an extensive vocabulary.

©2015 Richard Forero (P)2015 Richard Forero

REPETITIVE

repeats so often that I thought the same Chapters were being looped over and over again.

Title says it all!

What did you love best about 1000 Spanish Words in Context?

Each word was said in context, so you got more from the vocabulary

Any additional comments?

Very good for intermediate learners to brush up on vocab.

GREAT-VALUE SPANISH!

Any additional comments?

I’ve chosen to review “1000 Spanish Words in Context”, and “1000 Spanish Verbs in Context” because the two work really well together, and because you ought to buy both of them. The 1000 Spanish Word sentences all contain verbs, and the 1000 Spanish Verb sentences all contain vocabulary words. Taken together, that’s over 2200 sentences of practical Spanish dialog.

It’s easier and more interesting to listen to Spanish vocabulary in sentences, and what you hear sticks with you much better. The Spanish-speaker does an excellent job of conveying the emotional content of the sentences, and emotional content is a powerful force for learning and remembering.

Most courses in Spanish like to indulge themselves in what they call, “spaced repetition.” That is, they spend a lot of time going back and repeating material you’ve already covered. This is supposed to help you remember better. The result is they may sell you a 4-hour course, but only 1-hour is new material - the other 3-hours is a rehash of what you’ve already covered.

The Alex Forero books are different. Each of the 2200 sentences is unique, although they all draw on a (large) common inventory of Spanish verbs and vocabulary words. Due to the concentrated nature of the material, you won’t be able to go through it as quickly as you would a less concentrated course. But you’ll learn a lot more. You can replay the recordings as often as you like, being confident that you’ll continue to learn more Spanish as you do so.

The sentences use a lot of different constructions, so you’ll get a lot of practice with Spanish grammar along with the vocabulary you’re learning.

There are a couple of things about the books and recordings I would have changed. To begin with, the Spanish sentence comes first, followed by an English translation. I would have preferred the English first, so that we could make a stab at our own translation, and then we could listen to the Spanish-speaker. This would help us with our sentence formation and pronunciation.

Also, in “1000 Spanish Words” (but not in “1000 Spanish Verbs”), the Spanish word is given, followed by the English translation, followed by the Spanish sentence, followed by the English sentence. I found this boring and repetitious. I would have much preferred that “1000 Spanish Words” follow the same pattern as “1000 Spanish Verbs”, where the Spanish sentence is printed with the highlighted word in bold type. It’s easy enough to figure out the meaning of the word from the English that follows.

Se Habla Español, Okay, not really...

My Spanish is rather limited to what I recall from a high school class and to what I use at work (Alto!, Manos arriba!) but with this audio book I am starting to expand that vocabulary.

I would say that for someone with no knowledge of the language this would be a very hard book to follow. If you can speak and understand some Spanish this book can be pretty helpful. I shared it with my daughter, who is in high school Spanish, and she thought it was great.

I rated the "story" a three star because there really isn't a story, but rather "1000 Spanish Words in Context". So while the rating may not exactly be fair, I found this audio book difficult to listen to for very long. That said, I think the pronunciation was excellent and an audio book is a great medium for this content.


"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

Learning Spanish

Would you listen to 1000 Spanish Words in Context again? Why?

Yes, to learn spanish because one time isn't enough if you're just starting out.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 1000 Spanish Words in Context?

The tips on when to listen were good, and the sentences that were used in the book were random and very interesting.

What does Michelle Leon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice is very pleasant and clear.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No. This isn't that type of book.

Any additional comments?

This is a good way to learn spanish!

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast

A Great Resource For Learning Spanish

Would you listen to 1000 Spanish Words in Context again? Why?

I refer back to this title constantly because having an audio version of the book helps to train your ears which an important aspect of learning a language.

What does Michelle Leon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Certainly hearing the phrases and words in context enables you to accelerate your study. ( I also bought the Kindle version).

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Interesting!

Any additional comments?

This is a great self-study book written by Alex Forero and narrated by Michelle Leon. I took Spanish in high school, many years ago. It was nice listening to this book and the phrases and how the words are supposed to be pronounced.

The narrator Michelle Leon did a wonderful job, and was very easy to listen too. She did a great job with the different characters and their voices.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

Not the best way to learn vocabulary

Would you try another book from Alex Forero and/or Michelle Leon?

No

Has 1000 Spanish Words in Context turned you off from other books in this genre?

Here's how this audio book could have been made useful:
1) Speak the English word FIRST.
2) Speak the Spanish word once slowly, then at normal speed.
3) Speak the English sentence FIRST.
4) Speak the Spanish sentence slowly, then at normal speed.
5) Allow time between English and Spanish for the listener to try and formulate their own translation.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Much too fast

What character would you cut from 1000 Spanish Words in Context?

The reader

Any additional comments?

This means of delivery puts the vocabulary way beyond a beginner. Intermediates will struggle. Spend your money on the Pimsleur Spanish audiobooks instead.

Useless

This is written for a Spanish speaker learning English! Not an English speaker learning Spanish. Completely useless to rattle off a word, phrase or entire sentence in Spanish, THEN give the English. And its going WAY too fast. If it had a free ebook companion, I would have given it a shot. It does not. I am returning this. Paul Noble's books are really meant for audio. I just picked this one to add to my vocabulary.