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Adjectives are words which modify or describe nouns. Since they tell us about a noun, they must agree in number and gender with the noun they are describing.

Numbers and adjectives which tell how many, precede the nouns they modify:

tre arance = three oranges

molti libri = many books

troppo rumore = too much noise

Adjectives of color always follow the nouns they modify:

una casa rossa = a red house

una penna gialla = a yellow pen

Most other adjectives will follow the nouns they modify, but you will learn through conversation that some are flexible and may come either before or after the noun:

una donna intelligente = an intelligent woman

un uomo gentile = a kind man

Adjectives ending in 'o' agree in both number and gender with the noun they modify. Adjectives ending in 'e' only agree in number:

ragazzo alto = tall boy

ragazzi alti = tall boys

ragazza alta = tall girl

ragazze alte = tall girls

uomo forte = strong man

uomini forti = strong men

donna forte = strong woman

donne forti = strong women