Introduction to Spanish Possessive Adjectives: A Beginner’s Guide


Learning Spanish can be exciting, but grasping the basics of grammar is key to speaking and writing confidently. One essential area is possessive adjectives. These words help you express ownership and relationships, making your sentences clearer and more natural. In this guide, we’ll break down Spanish possessive adjectives, give practical examples, and provide tips to avoid common mistakes.

What Are Possessive Adjectives?

Possessive adjectives are words that indicate ownership or possession. In English, these include words like my, your, his, her, our, and their. In Spanish, possessive adjectives change depending on the number and gender of the noun they modify.

Spanish Possessive Adjectives Overview

English Spanish (Singular) Spanish (Plural)
my mi mis
your (informal) tu tus
his/her/your (formal) su sus
our nuestro/a nuestros/as
your (plural, informal in Spain) vuestro/a vuestros/as
their/your (plural) su sus

Key points:

  • Spanish possessive adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they describe.

  • For nuestro, vuestro, the ending changes depending on whether the noun is masculine/feminine and singular/plural.

How to Use Possessive Adjectives in Sentences

Singular Nouns

  • Mi casa – My house

  • Tu libro – Your book

  • Su perro – His/her/your (formal) dog

Plural Nouns

  • Mis amigos – My friends

  • Tus zapatos – Your shoes

  • Sus gatos – His/her/your (formal) cats

Examples in Context

  • Mi hermana vive en Nueva York. – My sister lives in New York.

  • Nuestros padres trabajan en una oficina. – Our parents work in an office.

  • Vuestros coches están aparcados afuera. – Your cars are parked outside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Confusing gender agreement: Remember that mi vs. mis doesn’t change for gender, but nuestro/a and vuestro/a do.

    • ❌ Nuestro amiga → ✅ Nuestra amiga

  2. Mixing formal and informal “you”: tu is informal singular, su is formal singular or plural. Context matters.

  3. Overusing “su” for clarity: Since su can mean his, her, your, or their, you might need to clarify:

    • El libro de él – His book

    • El libro de ella – Her book

Tips for Mastery

  • Practice with everyday objects: Label your belongings in Spanish, e.g., mi teléfono, mis llaves.

  • Use flashcards: Reinforce agreement rules with color-coded flashcards for masculine/feminine nouns.

  • Speak with native speakers: Real-life practice helps solidify usage and context.

Why Learning Possessive Adjectives Matters

Mastering possessive adjectives allows you to:

  • Communicate ownership and relationships clearly.

  • Avoid ambiguity in conversations and writing.

  • Build confidence to tackle more complex Spanish grammar concepts.

Final Thoughts

Spanish possessive adjectives are straightforward once you grasp gender and number agreement. By practicing daily, using context, and paying attention to formal vs. informal forms, you can speak naturally and correctly. Start small with your personal belongings, then expand to family, friends, and everyday life.