Why do some adjectives precede the nouns in Spanish sentances while others follow it ?*

Question

Who do some adjectives precede the noun in Spanish sentances while most seem to follow it ?

I am learning more or less through observation (of good written examples of Spanish) and intuition when to place the adjective before or after but what are the guiding rules, please?

Answer 1

Actually, the placement of certain adjectives can change the meaning of the word.

For example:

Madrid es una gran ciudad. Madrid is a great city.

Madrid es una ciudad grande. Madrid is a huge city.

José es mi viejo amigo. José is an old (of long-standing) friend of mine.

José is mi amigo viejo. José is my old (in years) friend.

A few more:

un nuevo carro - a (brand) new car

un carro nuevo - a new (different, other)

un hombre pobre - a poor man (with no money)

un pobre hombre - a poor (unfortunate, wretched) man

Also, following the noun, the adjective seems to be stronger.

You have them correct-intrinsic quality front; descriptive-behind. - 0074b507, JUN 17, 2010

Nice explanation - KevinB, JUN 17, 2010

Answer 2

Frequently asked question. I suggest that you search previous posts like this one:

How to position adjectives in Spanish

We also have a Reference Article on the placement of adjectives.

Great! I didn't know that there was a post on this. I'm still leanring as I go. Gracias, Quinton - Delores--Lindsey, JUN 17, 2010

We try to encourage people to research their question, before asking it. It reduces repetition of basic grammar, and allows more specific questions to be asked. - 0074b507, JUN 17, 2010