CSG222

Unit 18

Adjectives

Nouns and pronouns are modified by adjectives (adjetivos). Adjec-tives have different functions according to the role they play rela-tive to the word they modify. One function is to limit or determine a noun. Adjectives in this category are demonstrative and posses-sive adjectives (determinantes or determinativos). For morę detail, you may wish to refer to the unit on possessive adjectives and pronouns (Unit 21) in this book.

My watch is not working. This ro.se has a strong fragrance.

Mi reloj no funciona.

Esta rosa tiene un perfume fuerte.

Another function associated with adjectives is complementing nouns, completing their meanings with various characteristics and qualities.

yNo quieres ese bolso grandę y barato?

Dontyou want that big; inexpensive bag?

Sometimes the role of adjectives is to specify the noun.

Quiero un auto aleman. Iwant a German car

The meaning of auto is madę morę precise by the adjective of nationality aleman. Notę that, with some exceptions, descriptive adjectives in Spanish generally follow the nouns they modify. You will learn morę about the place of adjectives later in this unit.

Gender and Nuniher of Adjeetives in Spanish

Since the gender and endings of adjectives in Spanish are closely associated with the nouns they modify, you may wish to review the unit on nouns and articles (Unit Tl). Adjectives mustagree in gender and number with the noun or pronoun they modify; therefore, adjectives are either feminine or masculine, singular or plural, according to the nouns they modify. Here are some gender and number rules for adjectives:

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