Spanish grammar: adjetivos calificativos

What this grammar point covers

In Spanish, 'adjetivos calificativos' are descriptive adjectives. They are words that describe the qualities or characteristics of a noun, like 'big', 'red', or 'happy'.

When to use it

Use 'adjetivos calificativos' to describe how something or someone is, such as color, size, shape, personality, or other qualities.

Key forms

• The adjective usually comes after the noun: una casa bonita.
• Adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun: niño alto / niña alta / niños altos / niñas altas.
• Many adjectives end in -o (masculine) and change to -a (feminine).

Examples

Tips

• Remember to match the adjective to the gender and number of the noun.
• Most adjectives go after the noun, not before.
• Some adjectives have irregular forms or do not change for gender.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some adjectives, like 'grande', do not change for gender but do for number.
• A few adjectives can come before the noun and may change meaning, like 'viejo amigo' (old friend - longtime) vs. 'amigo viejo' (old friend - age).