The Main Rules of Spanish Adjective Agreement

 Yes, understanding Spanish adjectives is a critical step for fluency. They are a fundamental part of Spanish grammar rules, and mastering them makes your speech sound much more natural. This guide will simplify the core concepts of Spanish adjective agreement and placement, so you can stop guessing and start communicating with confidence.


In English, adjectives don’t change. A "tall boy" and "tall girls" use the same adjective, "tall." In Spanish, the adjective must change to match the gender and number of the noun it describes.

1. Agreement by Gender (Masculine vs. Feminine)

Most Spanish adjectives have a masculine form and a feminine form.

  • Adjectives that end in -o change to -a to describe feminine nouns.

    • El chico alto (The tall boy)

    • La chica alta (The tall girl)

  • Adjectives ending in -e or a consonant generally stay the same for both genders.

    • El chico inteligente (The intelligent boy)

    • La chica inteligente (The intelligent girl)

2. Agreement by Number (Singular vs. Plural)

This rule is a bit simpler. To make an adjective plural, you just add an -s or -es to the end.

  • If the adjective ends in a vowel, add -s.

    • El coche rojo (The red car) → Los coches rojos (The red cars)

  • If the adjective ends in a consonant, add -es.

    • El lápiz azul (The blue pencil) → Los lápices azules (The blue pencils)

Remember: Adjectives must agree in both gender and number.

  • Los perros negros (The black dogs)

  • Las gatas negras (The black cats)

Adjective Placement in Spanish: Before or After the Noun?

This is a common point of confusion for learners. As a general Spanish gender rules guideline, adjectives usually come after the noun.

  • La casa blanca (The white house)

  • El libro interesante (The interesting book)

However, there are exceptions. Some adjectives, often those that express an inherent quality or provide emphasis, can go before the noun. The most famous example is grande (big/great), which changes to gran when placed before a singular noun.

  • Una casa grande (A big house)

  • Un gran escritor (A great writer)

Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Adjective Agreement Exercises

The best way to master these Spanish grammar rules is to practice. Try to fill in the blanks in the sentences below, making sure the adjective agrees with the noun.

  1. El hombre es muy _____________. (alto, tall)

  2. Las flores son muy _____________. (bonito, pretty)

  3. El coche y la moto son _____________. (caro, expensive)

(Answers: 1. alto, 2. bonitas, 3. caros)

Advanced Topic: Adjectives with Ser vs. Estar

This is a key concept that separates beginners from more advanced learners. The meaning of some common Spanish adjectives can change depending on whether you use the verb ser or estar.

  • Ser is used for permanent or inherent qualities.

    • Ella es aburrida. (She is a boring person.)

  • Estar is used for temporary states or conditions.

    • Ella está aburrida. (She is bored right now.)

This distinction is crucial for expressing specific ideas.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Mastering Spanish adjective agreement is a journey, not a sprint. Remember these key points:

  • Gender and Number: Adjectives must match the noun's gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).

  • Placement: Generally, adjectives come after the noun.

  • Irregularities: Be mindful of adjectives that don't change or have a different meaning based on placement or the verb used.

Keep practicing and you'll soon be describing the world around you with confidence. What adjective are you most excited to use?