Spanish Adjectives: Agreement and Placement

What Are Adjectives in Spanish?

Adjectives in Spanish are words that describe or modify nouns. They provide additional information about the noun, such as its size, color, shape, or other qualities. For example, in the phrase "el coche rojo" (the red car), "rojo" is the adjective describing the car.

Adjective Agreement in Spanish

In Spanish, adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in both gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). This means that the ending of the adjective changes depending on the noun it modifies.

Placement of Adjectives in Spanish

Unlike in English, where adjectives usually come before the noun, Spanish adjectives are typically placed after the noun. For example, "a big house" in Spanish is "una casa grande." However, some adjectives can precede the noun, often changing their meaning slightly.

Common Exceptions to Adjective Placement

Some adjectives, especially those that express quantity or inherent qualities, are placed before the noun. Examples include "mucho" (a lot), "poco" (few), and "bueno" (good).

Practice Makes Perfect

To master Spanish adjectives, practice by describing objects around you in Spanish. Pay attention to the gender and number of the nouns and adjust the adjectives accordingly. For example, describe your room: "una cama cómoda" (a comfortable bed), "unas paredes blancas" (white walls).