Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Describe the one you mean in Spanish
In this guide, we focus on using adjectives to identify specific objects. Unlike English, Spanish adjectives usually come after the noun and must match its gender.
What you'll learn
- Identify objects using specific details
- Apply correct gender agreement to adjectives
- Use common household vocabulary in context
Spanish phrases for describe the one you mean
Esa es una pelota pequeña.
That's a small ball.
'Pelota' is feminine, so the adjective 'pequeña' ends in 'a'.
Necesito una pelota pequeña.
I need a small ball.
The word order is: Noun (pelota) + Adjective (pequeña).
Ese es un cojín suave.
That's a soft cushion.
Adjectives ending in 'e', like 'suave', work for both masculine and feminine nouns.
Busco un cojín suave.
I'm looking for a soft cushion.
'Busco' already implies the word 'for', so you don't need to add it.
Esta es una manta calientita.
This is a warm blanket.
'Calientita' is a cozy, child-friendly way to say warm/hot.
Me gustaría una manta calientita.
I'd like a warm blanket.
'Me gustaría' is a polite way to express a wish or request.
Esa es una caja vacía.
That's an empty box.
'Vacía' changes to 'vacío' if the object is masculine.
¿Me puedes traer una caja vacía?
Can you bring me an empty box?
'Traer' means 'to bring'. The 'me' before 'puedes' means 'to me'.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Pelota
Ball
Usually refers to a play ball or sports ball.
Cojín
Cushion
A decorative or sofa cushion, different from a bed pillow (almohada).
Manta
Blanket
Used for keeping warm on a bed or sofa.
Caja
Box
A container, typically made of cardboard or wood.
Adjective Agreement with 'Un' and 'Una'
In Spanish, adjectives must match the gender of the noun. Most adjectives ending in -o change to -a for feminine nouns. Adjectives follow the noun.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | un + [noun] + -o | un cojín pequeño |
| Feminine | una + [noun] + -a | una pelota pequeña |
| Neutral Ending | un/una + [noun] + -e | un cojín suave / una manta suave |
More examples
¿Tienes una caja grande?
Do you have a big box?
Using a detail (grande) to find the right object.
El bebé quiere el juguete rojo.
The baby wants the red toy.
Colors also act as descriptive adjectives after the noun.