Spanish adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they describe, and they often follow the noun. Adjective pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition, matching the gender and number of what they refer to. Spanish pronouns cover subjects, objects, and reflexives, playing a crucial role in sentence structure.
- Spanish adjectives agree with nouns in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
- Adjectives typically follow the noun, except for some common descriptive ones.
- Adjective pronouns replace nouns and agree in gender/number (e.g., pedro es alto; juan también: él es alto).
- Pronouns include subject (yo, tú), object (me, te, lo/la), and reflexive (me, te, se).
Spanish Adjectives
Adjectives in Spanish change their endings to match the gender and number of the noun they modify. Most adjectives ending in -o have four forms: -o/-a for singular masc./fem., and -os/-as for plural. Adjectives ending in -e or a consonant usually have two forms: one for singular (both genders) and one for plural.
- If the noun is masculine singular, use -o (or base form for -e/consonant): niño alto.
- For feminine singular, use -a (or same form if -e/consonant): niña alta.
- For masculine plural, use -os or -es: niños altos.
- For feminine plural, use -as or -es: niñas altas.
| Adjective | Masc. Sg. | Fem. Sg. | Masc. Pl. | Fem. Pl. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alto | alto | alta | altos | altas |
| Inteligente | inteligente | inteligente | inteligentes | inteligentes |
When Do Adjectives Come Before the Noun?
Most adjectives come after the noun (casa blanca), but some common ones can precede it, often changing meaning:
- Grande (before = great, after = big)
- Bueno/malo (before = good/bad person, after = good/bad taste/condition)
- Pobre (before = unfortunate, after = poor/without money)
inteligentes
After the noun
Spanish Pronouns
Pronouns replace nouns to avoid repetition and are divided by function: subject, direct object, indirect object, and reflexive.
| Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Do the action | yo, tú, él, ella, nosotros |
| Direct Object | Receive the action (what/who) | me, te, lo/la, nos, los/las |
| Indirect Object | To/for whom | me, te, le, nos, les |
| Reflexive | Action on subject | me, te, se, nos, se |
Subject Pronouns
- Replaced when the subject is clear: María canta → Ella canta.
- Not always used (verb ending shows subject), but used for emphasis/clarity.
'nosotros' and 'ellas'
Object Pronouns
Direct and indirect object pronouns are placed before a conjugated verb or attached to an infinitive/gerund.
- Direct: Veo la película → La veo.
- Indirect: Doy el libro a Juan → Le doy el libro.
Reflexive Pronouns
Used when the subject performs and receives the action.
- Yo me lavo (I wash myself).
- Reflexive pronouns match the subject pronoun: me, te, se, nos, se.
'se'
Adjective Pronouns
Adjective (or demonstrative) pronouns replace nouns and agree in gender/number. They often avoid repetition.
| Demonstrative Adjective | Demonstrative Pronoun (Used Alone) |
|---|---|
| este/a (this) | el/la/los/las (este/a[s]) |
| ese/a (that) | el/la/los/las (ese/a[s]) |
| aquel/aquella (that over there) | el/la/los/las (aquel/aquella[s]) |
Example:
- Quiero este libro → Quiero este. (adjective + noun)
- ¿Quieres el mío? (pronoun replaces the noun)
Conclusion
Spanish adjectives must match the nouns they modify in gender and number, and they usually follow the noun. Pronouns are essential for replacing nouns and include various forms for subjects, objects, and reflexives, ensuring sentences remain clear and concise.
- Spanish adjective agreement: gender (masc./fem.) and number (sing./pl.).
- Pronouns replace nouns: subject (yo), object (lo/la), reflexive (se).
- Adjective pronouns/demonstratives replace nouns and match gender/number.
Yes
Subject, Direct Object, Indirect Object, Reflexive