The Core Idea
Adjectives normally agree with the noun in gender and number. This is one of the main patterns that shapes the noun phrase in Portuguese.
Agreement is visible everywhere: descriptions, opinions, shopping, travel, work, and writing. Weak adjective agreement makes even simple sentences sound unfinished.
Structure Snapshot
- noun + adjective / article + noun + adjective
Main Rules at a Glance
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | Match the adjective with the noun: "casa bonita", "casas bonitas", "menino feliz", "meninos felizes". |
| Rule 2 | Adjectives ending in -o / -a usually change for gender and number. |
| Rule 3 | Many adjectives ending in -e or a consonant keep the same gender form and only change for number: "grande/grandes", "feliz/felizes". |
| Rule 4 | Agreement happens with one noun, several nouns, or a whole noun phrase. |
How It Works
- Match the adjective with the noun: "casa bonita", "casas bonitas", "menino feliz", "meninos felizes".
- Adjectives ending in -o / -a usually change for gender and number.
- Many adjectives ending in -e or a consonant keep the same gender form and only change for number: "grande/grandes", "feliz/felizes".
- Agreement happens with one noun, several nouns, or a whole noun phrase.
Usage and Register
- Color words sometimes behave differently depending on the type of color expression.
This is a partial preview of the article.
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