Descriptive adjectives in Spanish tell us about the qualities or characteristics of a person, place, thing, or idea.
Placement
Most descriptive adjectives come after the noun.
Some common adjectives can come before the noun for emphasis or a slightly different meaning.
Examples: Noun + Adjective
Spanish Example
casa blanca
English Example
white house
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Examples: Adjective + Noun
Spanish Example
gran hombre
English Example
great man
Note
gran = great (not big)
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Gender and Number
Adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun they describe.
Masculine vs. Feminine
Spanish Word
alto
Meaning
Feminine Form
tall (masculine)
alta
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Singular vs. Plural
Spanish Word
alto
Meaning
Plural Form
tall (singular)
altos
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Examples of Agreement
Spanish Example
chico alto
English Example
tall boy
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Common Descriptive Adjectives
Here are some frequently used descriptive adjectives in Spanish, shown in their masculine singular form. Remember to change the ending for feminine and plural forms as needed.
Spanish Adjective
pequeño
English Translation
small
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Examples in Sentences
Descriptive adjectives help make your Spanish more vivid and precise by adding detail and color to your nouns.
