Possessive adjectives in Spanish are essential elements of grammar that indicate ownership or possession. They are used to describe the relationship between a noun and the possessor, much like in English. In Spanish, possessive adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify, which means they change depending on whether the noun is masculine or feminine, singular or plural.
Singular adjectives
There are singular and plural forms of possessive adjectives, and they vary depending on whether the possessor is first, second, or third person. Let's start with singular forms of possessive adjectives:
- First Person Singular Possessive Adjectives:
- **Mi:** Used to indicate possession by the first person singular (yo).
- **Example:** Mi casa (My house), Mi libro (My book).
- Second Person Singular Possessive Adjectives:
- **Tu:** Indicates possession by the second person singular (tú).
- **Example:** Tu casa (Your house), Tu libro (Your book).
- Third Person Singular Possessive Adjectives:
- **Su:** Can be used to indicate possession by the third person singular (él, ella, usted).
- **Example:** Su casa (His/her/your (formal) house), Su libro (His/her/your (formal) book).
Plural adjectives
Plural possessive adjectives in Spanish reflect ownership by multiple individuals or entities, adapting in form to agree with gender and number.
- First Person Plural Possessive Adjectives:
- **Nuestro/a(s):** Indicates possession by the first person plural (nosotros/nosotras).
- **Example:** Nuestra casa (Our house), Nuestro libro (Our book).
- Second Person Plural Possessive Adjectives:
- **Vuestro/a(s):** Indicates possession by the second person plural (vosotros/vosotras).
- **Example:** Vuestro casa (Your (plural) house), Vuestro libro (Your (plural) book).
- Third Person Plural Possessive Adjectives:
- **Su:** Same as the third person singular, can be used for the third person plural (ellos, ellas, ustedes).
Example: Su casa (Their/your (plural) house), Su libro (Their/your (plural) book).
