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Quick Grammar Reference
P o r t u g u e s e O n l i n e

>>Adjectives >  Regular Adjectives > Forming Adjectives

An adjective is a descriptive word, used to describe a noun. Like nouns, that have number and gender, Portuguese adjectives can be singular or plural and masculine or feminine. . The number and gender of the noun alone determines the number and gender of the adjective used with it. 

Since every Portuguese noun has a singular form and a plural form, you must use the corresponding form of the adjective. After you determine the noun's gender, then you will simply use the appropriate combination of number and gender. Remember that each noun can have only one gender, but every noun has a singular and plural form.

Most regular adjectives end in either an -o, an -e or a consonant. When cited in a dictionary or reference guide. The -o ending tells you that there are four distinct forms:

The masculine noun menino boy can be modified as menino alto tall boy or meninos altos tall boys. When used with the feminine noun menina girl, we get menina alta tall girl and meninas altas tall girls.

Adjectives that end in an -e have two forms, even though they can still represent the four categories:

Now, with the masculine noun menino boy, you can form menino contente happy boy or meninos contentes happy boys. When used with the feminine noun menina girl, we get menina contente happy girl and meninas contentes happy girls.

Portuguese articles also change to reflect the number and gender of the noun in a similar manner.