Position of Adjectives in Italian

In Italian, adjectives are generally placed after the noun. However, they can also come before the noun, with a shift in meaning depending on their position.

The adjective is usually placed *after* the noun:

‘‘un libro nuovo; una casa vecchia”

However, the reverse order is also possible:

‘‘un nuovo libro, una vecchia casa’’

Generally, the qualificative adjective that comes *before* the noun has a *descriptive function*, while the one that follows the noun has a *restrictive function*.

The placement of the adjective before the noun is frequent when the adjective is used in a figurative sense.

Let’s look at an example together in which the sequence adjective+noun determines a figurative sense, while noun+adjective determines a literal meaning of the adjective:

• vecchio:

1. un vecchio amico (=long-standing, an old friend whom I have known for a long time)

Vs

– un amico vecchio (=in age, elder, a friend old in age).

Here’s a breakdown:

General Rule

The adjective typically follows the noun:

  • un libro nuovo (a new book)
  • una casa vecchia (an old house)

When the adjective comes after, it often serves a more restrictive function, specifying a particular characteristic of the noun.

Conversely, when the adjective is placed before the noun, it often takes on a descriptive or figurative function.

Example:

  1. un nuovo libro - a new (as in recently acquired, recently owned, that recently came out in the libraries) book
  2. un libro nuovo - a book that is new in condition

e.g. we can say: ho un nuovo libro che e’ usato, ho comprato questo nuovo libro di seconda mano)

I have a new book that is used, I bought this new book of second hand)

‘‘Ho una nuova macchina che e’ di seconda mano. La mia nuova macchina e’ usata.’’

‘‘E’ una macchina nuova?’’ - ’’ No, e’ usata. E’ una macchina vecchia, di seconda mano.’’

Qualitative Adjectives and Figurative Meaning

Adjectives in Italian can carry different connotations based on their placement:

  • When the adjective comes before the noun, it often has a figurative or descriptive sense.
  • When it follows, it usually conveys a more literal meaning.

Example with “vecchio” (old):

  1. un vecchio amico - (a long-standing friend; someone I have known for a long time)
  2. un amico vecchio - (a friend who is old in age)

This pattern is also found in other Romance languages, like Spanish:

  • diferentes vinos (a few wines) vs. vinos diferentes (wines of different types).

Placement and Form Variations for “Buono” and “Bello”

In Italian, some adjectives, such as “buono” (good) and “bello” (beautiful) can be commonly foundbefore the noun, not only change meaning depending on their placement but also alter their forms to agree with the noun that follows:

  • Buono:
    • un buon amico - a good friend
    • un amico buono - a friend who is genuinely good-hearted
  • Bello:
    • un bel panorama - a beautiful view
    • un panorama bello - a view that is, by quality, beautiful
  • See focus on Use of “Buon” and “Buono” & “Bel” and “Bello” : When to use “buon” vs. “buono” and enhances practical understanding of the rule. Grammar Rule: Use of “Buon,” “Buono,” and “Bello” In Italian, adjectives like “buono” and “bello” change their forms based on the word that follows and their position relative to the noun.

Basic Rules:

  1. Default Position (After the Noun): Most adjectives follow the noun to indicate a specific or literal quality.
    • Example: una macchina veloce - a fast car (specific quality)
  2. Descriptive/Emotional Position (Before the Noun): Adjectives placed before the noun often have a figurative or emotional effect.
    • Example: una bella giornata - a beautiful day (general, emotional sense)

Qualitative Adjectives and Literal vs. Figurative Meaning

Many adjectives change their meaning depending on whether they appear before or after the noun. Here are some common adjectives with examples illustrating how their meaning shifts:

Adjective

Meaning Before the Noun

Meaning After the Noun

vecchio

long-standing (e.g., un vecchio amico)

old in age (e.g., un amico vecchio)

grande

great, significant (e.g., un grande uomo)

large in size (e.g., un uomo grande)

povero

unfortunate (e.g., un povero ragazzo)

financially poor (e.g., un ragazzo povero)

nuovo

new in context or experience (e.g., un nuovo libro)

new in condition (e.g., un libro nuovo)

Detailed Rules for “Buono” and “Bello”

1. Buono (Good)
“Buono” changes form based on gender, number, and position in a sentence.

  • Before Nouns: Shortened to “buon” before masculine nouns (e.g., un buon caffè - a good coffee)
  • After Nouns: Keeps original form (e.g., un caffè buono - a coffee that is genuinely good)

Singular

Plural

buon amico (m)

buoni amici (m)

buona pizza (f)

buone pizze (f)

2. Bello (Beautiful)
“Bello” also varies depending on gender, number, and the following noun.

It is shortened before masculine singular with BEL or BELL’ (as sensative to Vowels) as well two versions of masculine plural

(bei and begli, where BEL becomes BEI and BELL’ becomes BEGLI, such as articles IL > I and LO/L’ > GLI)

Masculine Singular

Masculine Plural

Feminine Singular

Feminine Plural

bel giorno

bei giorni

bella casa

belle case

bell’ amico

begli amici

bell’ amica

belle amiche

Vocabulary to Practice Adjective Placement

Italian

English

macchina nuova

new car (condition)

nuovo progetto

new project (context)

vecchia scuola

old school (literal)

grande città

big city

città grande

great city

Vocabulary Examples with Adjective Placement

  1. Antico (ancient, old-fashioned)
    • un antico monumento – an ancient monument (historically significant)
    • un monumento antico – a monument that is old in age
  2. *Caro (dear, expensive)
    • un caro amico – a dear friend (emotionally close)
    • una cena cara – a dinner who is expensive (literal)
  3. *Piccolo (small, young)
    • un piccolo problema – a small problem (insignificant)
    • un problema piccolo – a problem that is small in size (literal)
  4. *Diverso (several, different)
    • diverse idee – several ideas (quantity)
    • idee diverse – different ideas (variety)
  5. *Semplice (mere, simple)
    • un semplice gesto – a mere/little/minimal gesture
    • un gesto semplice – a gesture that is simple
  6. Povero (unfortunate, poor financially)
    • un povero ragazzo – an unfortunate/poor boy
    • un ragazzo povero – a boy who is financially poor
  7. Grande (great, big)
    • un grande progetto – a great project
    • un progetto grande – a project that is big in size
  8. Unico (only, unique)
    • un unico figlio – an only child
    • un figlio unico – a child who is unique or special in quality
    • Idiom (flipped use, exception): ‘‘Essere figlio unico’’ (to be the only child) > sono figlia unica
    • un libro unico - an only book
    • un unico libro - an unique book
  9. Saggio (wise, simple)
    • un saggio consiglio – wise advice
    • un consiglio saggio – simple advice
  10. *Triste (sad, disappointing) * una triste storia – a pity, sad story * una storia triste – a story that is sad in content

Exercise Set

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Translation

Select the correct English translation based on the adjective position.

  1. Una vecchia storia
    A. An old story (literal)
    B. A long-standing story (figurative)
  2. Un caro regalo
    A. An expensive gift
    B. A dear gift (emotionally valuable)
  3. Un progetto semplice
    A. A mere project
    B. A simple project
  4. Un nuovo appartamento
    A. An apartment that is physically new
    B. A recently acquired apartment
  5. Una piccola vittoria
    A. A small victory (size)
    B. An insignificant victory

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank with the Correct Adjective Form

Complete each sentence by selecting either the adjective form before or after the noun to convey the intended meaning.

  1. Ho conosciuto un ____ amico di famiglia. (A friend who is dear to my family.)
  2. Abbiamo comprato una ____ casa in campagna. (An old, historical house.)
  3. Questo è un ____ libro che parla di scienza. (A book that is simple to understand.)
  4. È stato un ____ momento per tutti noi. (A disappointing moment.)
  5. Siamo andati a un ____ concerto ieri sera. (An amazing concert.)

Exercise 3: Rewrite for Meaning Shift

Rewrite each phrase, placing the adjective in both positions to demonstrate the meaning shift. Then, provide an English translation for each.

  1. Un buon uomo
    • Position A: ______
    • Position B: ______
    • Translation A: ______
    • Translation B: ______
  2. Un piccolo gesto
    • Position A: ______
    • Position B: ______
    • Translation A: ______
    • Translation B: ______
  3. Una triste notizia
    • Position A: ______
    • Position B: ______
    • Translation A: ______
    • Translation B: ______
  4. Un grande evento
    • Position A: ______
    • Position B: ______
    • Translation A: ______
    • Translation B: ______
  5. Una nuova idea
    • Position A: ______
    • Position B: ______
    • Translation A: ______
    • Translation B: ______

Exercise 4: Adjective Position and Meaning - True or False

Determine if the following statements are true or false.

  1. Una casa vecchia refers to a house that is old in condition, while una vecchia casa implies it’s been in the family for a long time.
  2. Un nuovo progetto refers to a project in a new context, while un progetto nuovo means a project that is physically new.
  3. Un caro amico can mean both a friend who is dear to you and one who is financially well-off.
  4. Una povera bambina would suggest an unfortunate child, whereas una bambina povera means a financially poor child.
  5. Un grande uomo and un uomo grande both describe a man who is large in stature.

Exercise 5: Translation with Emphasis on Adjective Placement

Translate the following sentences into Italian, ensuring the adjectives are placed to convey the correct figurative or literal meaning.

  1. “He is a unique child with many talents.”
  2. “I found a simple solution to the problem.”
  3. “They have a big house near the sea.”
  4. “She told a sad story about her childhood.”
  5. “It was a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

Exercise 6: Match the Sentence to the Adjective Position

Each sentence describes an adjective placement. Match it with the correct Italian sentence.

  1. “A significant accomplishment.”
    • a) un grande risultato
    • b) un risultato grande
  2. “An unfortunate accident.”
    • a) un incidente povero
    • b) un povero incidente
  3. “A wise decision.”
    • a) un consiglio saggio
    • b) un saggio consiglio
  4. “A unique view.”
    • a) una vista unica
    • b) un’unica vista
  5. “Several friends attended.”
    • a) amici diversi
    • b) diversi amici

These examples and exercises should offer a thorough understanding of adjective placement in Italian, exploring how figurative and literal meanings shift based on position.