Though someone should get this in. I am working my way through.

Can one of you experts please shed some light on "Bien" vs. "Bueno"

I'm no expert, but since I have problems with this one myself, I think I have your answer:

Bueno is an adjective that modifies nouns.
Bien is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

One trick you can use is if use the "translate this into English in my head before I say it" trick, imagine that Bueno = good and Bien = well .. because we have roughly the same thing in English. Just think to yourself if you would use "good" or "well" in English and you can skip all the adjective/adverb crap.

Good luck!

ThankS KhooFoo, I will give it a Bieno go!

Back to the drawing board Sandy - I don't think their is such a word as "bieno".

My simplistic understanding of the two words:

bien - well or fine
ex:
Muy bien. = Very well.
Estoy bien = I'm fine.
Esta bien. = That's fine.
Habla bien. = You speak well.

bueno - good or (when answering the phone) hello
ex:
Buenos dias. = Good day.
Bueno? = Hello? (Used to answer the phone in Mex)

I was a bit surprised when I first heard "Bueno?" used to answer the phone. After a little thought, I suspect it became used as an abbreviated form of "Buenos dias?"

I would suggest you pick up a copy of Webster's New World Spanish Dictionary (red and white cover). Best Spanish/English dictionary I've found. It offers lots of examples of various ways words are used, and includes compounds - words that, used together, have a meaning different from their literal translation. (I.E. In English, "get" is often used as a compound - get about, get across, get ahead, get along, get back at, get up, get out - you get the idea.) I'm afraid though Websters might make your head explode regarding bien. It has about a half a page of various translations. ;)

When telephone service first became available in Mexico the quality was terrible. Bueno meant good line and has persisted.

Beside being typeing chalanged ... ;-)

God I love this place. Where else could one find info like this, mixed in with nice pictures!

Sandy