Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish: A Creative and Proven Approach

In the preface to this book, the author, Margarita Madrigal, promises that if you complete this book, you will then be able to go to a Spanish speaking country and understand them. I will now go that far and agree with the author because I believe that in order to speak and understand Spanish with confidence, you will need a learning-Spanish audio program to supplement this book. But as the author promises, I honestly believe that this book will help you to do the following: 1. Speak Spanish 2. Read Spanish 3. Write in Spanish 4. Think in Spanish There are so many things that I like about this book. For starters, the author of this book uses a very interesting method to help you quickly learn Spanish. What she does is teach the reader how to add hundreds and hundreds of Spanish words to his or her vocabulary by simply using the English words that you already know. For example, did you already know that the following words are both Spanish and English words: Actor Popular Animal Capital hotel Radio Conductor Probable Cable Ideal Flexible The only difference is the pronunciation is different in Spanish. But the words are spelled the same way and have the same meaning in both Spanish and English. In addition to showing the reader that he or she already knows many Spanish words because there are so many English words that are spelled the same and that have the same meaning, the author also shows how the reader can take many English words that he or she already knows and convert them into Spanish words just by making small changes in the words. For example, the author shows how we can convert many English words that end in “ist” into Spanish words by adding the letter “a” to them: Pianist – el pianista Violinist – el violinista Dentist – el dentista Oculist – el oculista Capital – el capitalista Communist – el comunista Novelist – el novelista Optimist – el optimista I also found it beneficial that there is a helpful pronunciation key at the beginning of the book. Another thing that I really like about this book is that after every 9 or 10 lessons, there are a series of tests that help you test your progress and see how far you have come. Near the end of the book, there is also a section called “Common Spanish Expressions” where you’ll find five pages packed with helpful Spanish expressions, such as: Acabar de (plus infinitive) - to have just A pesar de – in spite of Buena suerte – good luck Claro – of course Dar la mano – to shake hands Echar la culpa – to blame Esta vez – this time Me alegro de verlo – I am happy to see you No lo haga – don’t do it No es justo – it isn’t fair Otra vez – again Poco a poco – little by little Ya lo creo – now I believe it At the very end of this book, there is a handy 35-page “Vocabulary” section that is organized like a dictionary. You will find Spanish words from “a” (to, at) all the way to “zoologia” (zoology). Out of the 45 chapters covered in this book, my favorites were Chapter 41 and Chapter 42. In chapter 41, the author teaches The Present Subjunctive and breaks down how to express hope, fear, doubt and desire in Spanish. In chapter 42, the author teaches The Past Subjunctive and breaks down how to express past hopes, fears, doubts and desires in Spanish. She even explains how to use the conditional and past subjunctive together. In other words, you will learn how to express the following in Spanish: I would write a letter if I had the time. She would buy an airplane if it were possible. They would watch the movie if were interesting. In chapter 42, Madrigal also covers the Past Perfect Subjunctive which enable you to express the following in Spanish: I would have known the lesson if I had studied. We would have spoken Spanish if we had studied. If they had had time, they would have traveled to Spain. The reason why Chapters 41 and 42 are my favorite chapters is because these are the chapters that teach the Spanish subjunctive. I, like many native English speakers, find that the Spanish subjunctive is one of the most difficult areas of Spanish. In Chapters 41 and 42, Madrigal does a fantastic job breaking-down the complex topic of the Spanish subjunctive. The only thing that I did not like about this book is that the vocabulary does not cover modern technology. The first edition of this book was written in 1951. This book seriously needs to be updated. You will learn how to say the Spanish words for telephone, newspaper and telegram. But don’t expect to learn how to say cellphone, website or email in Spanish. Although this book does not teach you any Spanish words related to modern technology, I still recommend that buy this book because it will allow you to quickly learn hundreds of Spanish words quite easily – just by using the English words that you already know. By the way, this same author, Margarita Madrigal, has another helpful book that you will find available here at Amazon: In closing, I’ll leave you with a list of my current favorite learning-Spanish resources. (My list of favorites changes from time to time so you may want to check my list periodically. Updated 07-13-2023): 1. 501 Spanish Verbs If you think you can accomplish fluency in Spanish as an adult without mastering conjugating Spanish verbs, you are only fooling yourself. This book is an absolute essential resource for learning how to conjugate Spanish verbs. It will show you how to conjugate every Spanish verb tense imaginable. This is my NUMERO UNO resource for learning Spanish. 2. How To Speak Spanish Like a MF This is Patrick Jackson's newest learning-Spanish program. Despite the unusual name of this audiobook, it's the best program I have found for learning how to do both, speak and comprehend Spanish just like a native. From my experience, it's much better than any free or paid mobile app for learning Spanish. You will not hear any of that old, obsolete Spanish that sounds like something from 19th Century Spain. Instead, you'll learn to not only understand but actually partake in Spanish conversations discussing technology, veganism, ride-sharing apps, life as a digital nomad, using social media apps, etc. There are also two bonus lessons covering what many would consider "woke" Spanish – which involve a woman and two gay content creators who work on an adults-only online platform. Another plus about this program is that all the voice actors are native Spanish speakers to make sure you develop a true Latin American Spanish accent and proper pronunciation. Make sure you download the free Audible mobile app to get the most out of this audio program. 3. Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses This is another resource that you truly need if you are serious about mastering conjugating Spanish verbs. Conjugating Spanish verbs is by far the most challenging area of learning-Spanish for native English speakers. After studying with "Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses" you will find that you can confidently conjugate Spanish verbs in any verb tense, from easier tenses such as the present tense ("I run") and the preterit ("I ran) all the way to the most challenging Spanish tenses, such as the pluperfect subjunctive - which is known in Spanish as "pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo" (I would have run). 4. Learning Spanish Like Crazy Level 1 - NEW & Improved Version or Learning Spanish Like Crazy Level 1 - ORIGINAL Version At one time, these two were my favorite learning-Spanish audio programs. There's a "NEW & Improved Version" and an "Original Version". Although I found the "NEW" version a bit more interactive and engaging, I have a slight preference for the "Original" version because the narrator's voice was more interesting and entertaining. Both the narrators are native Spanish speakers as well as the voice actors - which really helped me to develop an authentic Latin American accent. But what appeals to me most is that there is a major emphasis on everyday, conversational Spanish unlike the Spanish taught in most audio programs which teach more academic or formal Spanish. Besides the two beginner programs (NEW & Improved Version vs. Original Version), there is also an Intermediate version and an Advanced version available. Regardless of which program you invest in, you’ll need to download the free Audible mobile app to get the most out of it. 5. Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Pronouns and Prepositions This little-known book is the go-to guide for mastering Spanish Pronouns and Prepositions. Most Spanish-language learners have no idea that mastery of Spanish pronouns and prepositions is an area of Spanish grammar that is essential for effective communication with Spanish-speakers. Another major advantage of this book is that it is accompanied by flashcards and audio recordings (available online and via app) which will further help master the Spanish language.

There is very little I can say about this book that has not already been said. It is an outstanding resource, and lives up to its claims to ground the committed reader in the basics of Spanish conversation and grammar. If there is any problem with this book, it is that it’s overdue for a revision, so the focus of my review will be in making the case for an update. 1. The method is sound, and Miss Madrigal’s personality shines through in every chapter – this should be preserved, and can be without losing anything. Consider a book like Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People”, which has been revised over the years with updated language and anecdotes, yet which remains fundamentally unchanged at its core. 2. Many advances have been made in printing since the book’s first publication, and the method would benefit from them. Examples would be boldface type instead of all caps, sidebars, multiple fonts, and containing charts within a page instead of running over to the next. 3. The Andy Warhol illustrations are simplistic and even childish, but they have become thoroughly connected to the identity of this book, and should be retained. 4. More exercises would be welcome. Sometimes important concepts are introduced and then dropped with no chance to practice. 5. Face it, society and technology have changed a lot since 1950, but this book continues to teach words and phrases which will never be used in the 2000’s, while omitting some which today would be very common and useful. We do not live in a world of cables, telegrams, and typewriters, but we do need to know how to talk about computers, e-mail, cell phones, and the Internet. Smoking activities are prohibited rather than described in detail. Socks and pants are no longer “only for men”. 6. Comments about regional differences in vocabulary and accent would be helpful. The reader is left wondering where the words for certain fruits and vegetables, for example, would be understood. 7. Madrigal’s preferred vocabulary is promoted, when other terms might be more common today (for example, “oficina” instead of “despacho” for “office”). This limits the book’s compatibility with other resources. 8. The formal second person is advanced throughout the book, with the informal use only being introduced in the final chapter. This is a weakness that definitely needs to be addressed. 9. There is currently no audio component for the course, which leaves the reader to look for additional resources on their own. That places this course at a disadvantage to others. Apparently, there were recordings produced at one time, but they are long out of print, and existing copies are expensive and unobtainable (due to the Warhol illustrations on the jacket, no doubt). These recordings should be revived and digitized if they have special significance (Madrigal’s own voice, perhaps?), or a new program produced. 10. Finally, this is not the only “Magic Key” out there. Given that this is such a beloved resource, with proven results, Madrigal’s Magic Keys to French and German really need to come back into print, in editions edited and revised to address such concerns as mentioned above. Though this review may seem critical, I still give this book five stars. Until the desired revision is made, this book, even with its minor shortcomings, is one of the best resources available for the aspiring Spanish learner.

I'm very happy I came across this book. It is probably the best of all 20-something Spanish learning books I own. It is FULL of information and exercises that will help anyone who wants to learn learn quickly and quite easily. Like other people have said, I am surprised I've retained so much information. Because of this book, which goes through a lot of the verb tenses and a lot of the common verbs as well as vocabulary (from the beginning of the book, you find out you actually already know hundreds of words in spanish, because they're the same in english: words with certain endings), I'm able to express myself and have conversations with others without making errors because everything is explained so well and she shows the english equivalents, and the little reminder cards the author tells us to make to glance at when we have a moment as well as the variety of exercises and tests help me a lot to remember what I've learned. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn the language. It will help get you off to a quick, solid start. Even though Magic Key is just a book, the author has a pronunciation key that is very useful. Ex) The ll (double l) is pronounced Y as in "yes". Because of that and the reminders throughout the book on where to stress syllables for different words, I'm much more confident when I speak than I would otherwise be. If you are interested in learning the language and you know either nothing or are just a beginner with some knowledge, I highly recommend that you add this book to your learning library! After going through this book, I went through the "Practice Makes Perfect" Verb Tenses and Pronouns and Preposition books which really helped me with more in depth grammar. I think those books are best to learn after a book like Magic Key though because I think Magic Key will help *prepare* you for more in depth grammar books.

When learning a new language, you come across many many different products naturally claiming that they are the best. Eager language learners try many of them. Some stick, some don't. This book DEFINITELY stuck. The look of it is very old-fashioned, but the content seemed to sink in just a bit better. The lessons explain things in a thorough manner and end with many oral translation exercises that really drill the material into your brain. That being said, this book is really old and does not include the "tu" form of anything whatsoever. Anyone who is learning Spanish knows that there is a polite (usted) and an informal (tú) way of addressing someone. This book only includes the polite forms and does not touch on the informal forms, which in modern Spanish is used quite frequently. In fact, countries like Argentina pretty much ONLY use the informal. Experts say that no one should use just one text to learn a language. Whoever heeds this advice will most certainly come across that which this book omits. Aside from the omission, this book is wonderfully organized and extremely helpful. I highly recommend it. If someone were to update this book to include the informal way to say things, 5 stars all the way.

It is honestly insane how much faster you learn with this method. I can’t suggest this book enough. Buy it now.

You can learn by rote. You can memorize phrases for travel. But when you want to learn a language late in life, it’s annoying to parrot phrases without knowing the why and how it’s being framed. It’s even more frustrating when you can’t ply words into sentences. This book teaches you the structure of the language and each rule is reinforced by multiple sentence forming exercises. I like this approach as it’s giving me the confidence to assemble words into sentences. Learning techniques are subjective and I am no linguistic. But I will not go to any other book or material before finishing this book.

I am about 85% of the way through Madrigal's Magic Key and have to say that I am very impressed with Madrigal's approach. Her approach is different from the conventional lesson plans with which I have been familiar since language training in high school. One person posted the comment that it matters HOW one learns and perhaps Madrigal's approach isn't the right approach for everyone, but it is certainly the right approach for me. A number of years ago I tried to learn Spanish using, "Spanish Made Simple". Essentially, I got nowhere. This time around, using Madrigal, I'm making very rapid progress. Another person commented that the best thing about Madrigal's approach is that it engenders confidence. This is totally true. Her teaching approach is brilliant, really. She starts off by showing the student all the Spanish words that he already knows and quickly builds other basic language skills on that starting foundation. From there, she presents lessons in terms of basic "blocks" of concept areas in ascending order of difficulty. Interestingly, one of the first starting concepts is how to use past tense. After that she presents the next big "block" (most common) verb forms; the "ar", "er" and "ir" verb groups. I can't say enough good things about this approach. It serves to give the student a basic orientation to major concept areas very quickly starting with the easiest to understand concept areas first. This works very well for me. The usual language approach is to start with "useful phrases". This invariably turns out to be useless for me because providing me with details that I cannot assemble into anything bigger is just totally confusing. I need the opposite approach. Give me the "big picture", then show me how to break it down into smaller useable bits, and then I'm off and running. The details can be ground finer and finer as necessary. Another thing in Madrigal's text which makes perfect sense is that she saves discussion of familiar forms of address until the last lesson. I can remember being confused early on in my high school French class because of the "need" to learn the familiar (It also added unnecessary complexity to my German language studies). But think about this just one minute. One only needs to use the familiar form of address with family and close friends. If one lives in an environment where there are significant numbers of Spanish speaking family members and intimate friends with whom one needs to communicate, then how is it remotely possible that one doesn't already know how to speak Spanish!!! Obviously, for the non-native speaker, the familiar form of address can safely be left for the last lesson. In an earlier edition of this review I mentioned a couple of criticisms which, as I have progressed through my "Madrigal course work", have proven unfounded. Margarita's lesson plan is idiosyncratic and would benefit from an appendix with a little bit more detail to help the student to better navigate questions as they arise. I recommend the Mirriam-Webster Spanish/English dictionary as a basic study aid. Additionally, I have found very helpful the guide to conjugating the 254 most often used Spanish verbs, and 501 Spanish Verbs is another text worth considering. These books are very useful because the Madrigal Method approaches teaching the verb forms piecemeal and, depending upon the student, he or she may be better served if he can just forge ahead with some of the conjugations. I highly recommend Madrigal's Magic Key as the cornerstone of a beginning Spanish course with the understanding that at some point, one will need to add additional course materials.

I have given away so many of these books - I always keep an extra copy on hand when someone tells me they are "trying" to learn Spanish. It is BY FAR the easiest, most efficient and most effective way to learn Spanish that I have ever used. I started using this book while in Mexico years ago and within a few weeks of daily practice and study people were astounded at my Spanish - really! The best thing about this book is how it teaches you how many Spanish words you already know - English words that can easily be converted into Spanish using simple language patterns. I have tried MULTIPLE books on language learning - I also speak Dutch, Italian and German - and I wish I could find a book like this for them. Neat factoid: This book was first published in the mid-50's and the drawings were done by Andy Warhol! It also shows you how it has beautifully stood the test of time - that it is still so popular and useful! I just gave away my last extra copy recently - and now need to buy more..!

Excellent book the content is perfect for beginners a must buy if you want to learn Spanish

Very nice

This book is based on identifying patterns to give you, the learner, the fastest possible entry point into actually usable Spanish: - how to convert thousands of English words to Spanish equivalents - how to conjugate verbs in past, present and future - crucially, without trying to kill your enthusiasm with horrendous grammar tables Conjugations are introduced slowly, so the learner is not faced with table after table of conjugations in all forms. (After all, we didn't learn English by learning grammar first, we learnt it by identifying patterns and then, when we were at school, we learnt grammatical terms and nuances.) In fact, the learner is introduced to the singular forms of only the first person and third person for a good portion of the book. The learner is introduced to the past tense first, in order that useful expressions can be made from the word go. This is on the grounds that a lot of our conversations in daily life are about the past: what we did at the weekend, last week, last night or this morning, for example. Everything that is introduced is followed by more than ample opportunity to practice: there are sentences to read and word/phrase combination drills to perform. One reviewer has said that the book is too long but I would temper that view with the knowledge that the increase in volume is actually due to these many examples of usage and word/phrase combination drills. In fact, I have found other resources far too brief in this regard. I am no language savant (a fact, sadly, not false modesty), but I am a linguistic enthusiast and, having sought out, and used, beginner level materials for Russian, Japanese, Italian, Greek and Amharic and having taken French (A level) and German (O level) at school/college (a long, long time ago :-D), I can say that this book is better at getting the learner up and running with usable language than any other book or online resource that I have found to date, by a country mile. With most others, I have found that there is far too much unnecessary grammar introduced far too early to engage the learner and provide opportunities to succeed in reproducing and reusing the language learnt. Some reviewers have pointed to the South American bias of this book as being a problem for anyone wishing to speak Spanish in mainland Spain but I have found no such issues in the dozen or so times that I have visited Spain. (The odd person has tried to correct my "gracias" to "grathias" but, after a bit of interaction, they have realised that I am not being lazy or uneducated but, rather, speaking the South American flavour - and they can understand it perfectly well. And let's not forget that the vast majority of people will try hard to understand a foreigner that tries to use their language - and never underestimate the power of always using "please" and "thankyou" and, indeed, pointing and saying the appropriate numbers with a hopeful smile :-D … We even have significant differences British English: I was brought up in southern England and have worked in Sheffield recently and whilst I would “make a brew”, they will “mash”, I will feel “cold” but they will be “nesh”, something might be “dirty” but to them it will be “mardy” … Differences are easily overcome with very little effort and, really, should just add to our enjoyment of the vibrant nature of language.) As with all language learning resources, the effort exerted by the learner is the actual key to learning a foreign language to whatever level the learner feels that they want to achieve, but Madrigals Magic Keys To Spanish is an excellent starting point and gives a great deal of potential for quickly usable language from which the learner can then spring and delve into other resources and learning opportunities.

Excellent book! I would recommend it to anyone. I am very impressed by everything I have learned and HOW MUCH I have learned with the book. The book is very easy to understand and pleasant to go through. It's great if you are just starting to learn or want to improve your Spanish and review some things. Even though my mother tongue is French and there is a significant part at the beginning of the book especially, where there is an emphasis on the similarity between English and Spanish, I could easily find what that similarity would be in French. The progression from lesson to lesson is perfect. The sentence making exercice and translation from English to Spanish together are really good practices. They help really well with knowing where the different words in the sentence go, if example a specific proposition is needed that you wouldn't know. As you go through the book you will remember pretty well what you have learned.

Learning Spanish made easy