Which Spanish adjectives change meaning by position?

It’s normal to feel a little intimidated by Spanish grammar. Most students have heard that it’s the most difficult part of learning the language. However, it doesn’t have to be like that. You can take it step by step. For example: how about adjectives that change meaning suddenly?

I know, I know, it might sound weird or confusing. But this is a real thing that happens in Spanish! And, trust me, it could save you from making some funny mistakes. I mean, what if you called an old friend… A friend of old age?!

This is a little phenomenon that happens with adjective position in Spanish. Lucky for you, you will find a very complete guide here about it. It’s time you understand adjectives in Spanish a little more. Let’s see them!

Why does the position of the adjectives matter?

First things first, it’s important to remember the basics of adjective position in Spanish.. Usually, adjectives in Spanish go after the noun they are describing. It’s the opposite from English. Instead of saying “That’s a red car”, in Spanish we say “Ese es un carro rojo.” Easy enough, right?

But it’s so important to be aware of a few exceptions. There are certain adjectives that will change their meaning if you place them before the noun they describe. It can seem like a very small change. But it can twist the meaning of the whole sentence!

Just remember, adjectives that change meaning depending on their position are very specific. They aren’t the most common, but there are some that we use constantly in our daily lives. As common as “big” and “small”. It’s essential to be aware of these changes, so let’s take a look!

Most common adjectives that change meaning

To avoid making mistakes, you have to know the different meanings of these adjectives. Remember, not all adjectives change meaning according to their position in the sentence. But you should be familiar with these exceptions.

• Viejo

Let’s start with one of the most important cases on the list. This adjective might cause the most confusion.

After the noun: Esta es una casa vieja (This is an old house)

Before the noun: Esta es mi vieja casa (This is my former house)

Plus: It’s the same with the word “antiguo”, which is a synonym of “viejo”.

• Grande / Gran

This is an interesting example! It’s also among the most used adjectives on the list. But it also has an added element. If it goes before the noun, this adjective is clipped short.

After the noun: Esta es una fiesta grande (This is a big party)

Before the noun: Esta es una gran fiesta (This is a great party)

• Pobre

“Pobre” can cause a lot of confusion too! The meaning changes a lot depending on this adjective position in Spanish. Take a look!

After the noun: Él es un hombre pobre (He is a poor man)

Before the noun: Él es un pobre hombre (He is an unfortunate man)

• Nuevo

This might seem like the meaning doesn’t change a lot. But there’s a twist. It’s different to say you have a brand new car, than to say you have a used car that’s new to you, you know?

After the noun: Tengo un carro nuevo (I have a new car) (Brand new)

Before the noun: Tengo un nuevo carro (I have a new car) (New to me)

• Simple

Is it simple? Well, it depends! The meaning of this adjective also changes depending on its position in each sentence. Let me show you exactly how.

After the noun: Ésta es una tarea simple (This is an easy task) 

Before the noun: Ésta es una simple tarea (This is a mere task)

• Cierto

This is an important case! It’s among those adjectives that change meaning and can really transform what you wanted to say. From something vague to a full truth… Be careful with it!

After the noun: Un comentario cierto (A true comment)

Before the noun: Un cierto comentario (A certain comment)

• Verdadero

This next word is similar to the previous example. You have to be very careful with it. This can be something “true”. But it can also be a way to add emphasis to something you’re talking about.

After the noun: Tienes un problema verdadero (You have a true problem)

Before the noun: Tienes un verdadero problema (You have a real problem) 

• Único

The meaning of this word isn’t so unique. Depending on its position in a sentence, it means something is very special, or it’s the only one there is. And, no, that’s not the same thing.

After the noun: Tengo un trabajo único (I have a unique job)

Before the noun: Tengo un único trabajo (I have an only job) 

• Solo

Again, we have an adjective similar to the previous case. In this case, the difference lies in the quantity or the company that something or someone doesn’t have.

After the noun: Ella va a una clase sola (She goes to a class alone)

Before the noun: Ella va a una sola clase (She goes to only one class)

Let’s recap!

Tips to remember these adjectives

Now you know what are the most common adjectives that change meaning depending on their position. But how can you keep track of them? How can you make sure to remember them all? How can you avoid making any mistakes with the adjective placement in Spanish?

Take this useful advice to learn about adjective position in Spanish.

• Context: Pay attention to the context of the sentence. For example, if you hear “viejo amigo” but you know you’re talking about young people, you’ll know it means they’ve been friends for a long time!

• Reading and listening: Immerse yourself in the language and you’ll start noticing the patterns and different uses of the words.

• Be patient: It’ll be fine if you make mistakes in the process. You’ll have to practice a lot to get used to them.

• Go step by step: You don’t need to learn them all at once! Go one by one and everything will be easier.

That’s it! All you have to do next is keep practicing. Review at least one of these adjectives that change meaning every day. Eventually, you’ll get used to this interesting change. It’ll come naturally to you!

Spanish grammar can be a little tricky sometimes. But it’s never boring! Don’t be afraid of using these special adjectives in everyday conversations. Remember, using what you learn in real life is the best way to learn real Spanish! Keep up your motivation and you’ll reach all your Spanish goals. ¡Buena suerte!