Words to describe things

Words to describe things

Basic Adjectives

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns. In Spanish, they usually follow the nouns they modify. Examples include “Largo” (long), “Rojo” (red), “Feliz” (happy), and “Rápido” (fast).

Agreement Rules

Gender Agreement: Spanish adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they describe, usually by adding -a for female nouns and -o for male ones. For example, “niño pequeño” (small boy) or “niña pequeña” (small girl).
Number Agreement: Adjectives also need to agree in number with the noun. For example, “gatos negros” (black cats) or “manzanas rojas” (red apples).

Placement of Adjectives

Most adjectives in Spanish follow the noun. However, some go before the noun and change meaning depending on their placement. For example, “un hombre grande” (a big man) vs “un gran hombre” (a great man).

Adverbs

Adverbs: These words describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They express how, where, when, how much, or in what way something happens. Examples include “rápidamente” (quickly), “lentamente” (slowly), “aqui” (here), “allá” (there), “siempre” (always), “nunca” (never), “más” (more), “menos” (less).

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

For simple comparisons use ‘más… que’ to mean ‘more… than’ and ‘menos … que’ to mean ‘less … than’. In the superlative form, “el/la más” (the most), “el/la menos” (the least) are used.

Demonstrative Adjectives

Are used to specify the distance of the noun from the speaker, they include “este/esta” (this), “ese/esa” (that), “aquel/aquella” (that over there).

Possessive Adjectives and Pronouns

These show ownership. For example, “mi” (my), “tu” (your), “su” (his/her/it/your), “nuestro/a” (our), “vuestro/a” (your, plural), “su” (their).

Closing Remarks

Remember, practise makes perfect. Continue to test your knowledge by writing and speaking in Spanish as often as possible.