Adjective position
Choose whether an adjective describes or evaluates.
After the noun for a clear description
In Italian, many descriptive or identifying adjectives naturally follow the noun. Post-nominal grande mainly indicates physical size in uno spazio grande. A long or restrictive description also usually follows. Match the adjective to a feature you can identify in the Casa dei Binari; do not claim to have measured size when the text gives no dimensions.
- una stanza vetrata· a glass-walled room
- una terrazza rialzata· a raised terrace
- una facciata di mattoni originali· a façade of original bricks
- uno spazio grande· a large space, mainly in physical size
Before the noun for emphasis or a changed meaning
Before the noun, an adjective may convey the speaker’s evaluation or a different meaning. Un grande spazio can praise its public value, while uno spazio grande mainly describes size. Un semplice corridoio can mean nothing more than a corridor; un corridoio semplice describes plain design. These are context-sensitive patterns, not a rule that every adjective changes meaning.
- È un grande spazio pubblico per incontrarsi.· It is an excellent public space for meeting.
- È uno spazio grande, ma non sempre tranquillo.· It is a large space, but not always quiet.
- Non è un semplice corridoio: collega due usi del vecchio deposito.· It is not merely a corridor: it connects two uses of the old depot.
- È un corridoio semplice, con pareti senza decorazioni.· It is a plain corridor, with undecorated walls.
In context
The words of this lesson in sentences from other B2 lessons.
- A est si trova una stanza vetrata per le mostre.· To the east is a glass room for exhibitions.Tappa 5 · Review an unusual building
- La terrazza si raggiunge solo con sei gradini.· The terrace is reached only by six steps.Tappa 5 · Review an unusual building
- La stanza vetrata mi sembra luminosa.· The glass room seems bright to me.Tappa 5 · Review an unusual building
- La stanza vetrata si trova a est.· The glass room is to the east.Tappa 5 · Art, architecture and sensory detail
- La stanza in cui si tiene la mostra è a est.· The room in which the exhibition is held is to the east.Tappa 5 · Advanced relative pronouns
- La terrazza di cui scrivo guarda il giardino.· The terrace about which I write faces the garden.Tappa 5 · Advanced relative pronouns
- La stanza nella quale entriamo è vetrata.· The room into which we enter is glass-walled.Tappa 5 · Advanced relative pronouns
- La terrazza rialzata si raggiunge solo con sei gradini.· The raised terrace is reached only by six steps.Tappa 5 · Architectural review
- È un grande spazio per incontrarsi.· It is an excellent space for meeting.Tappa 5 · Architectural review
- A est vedo una stanza molto luminosa. A che cosa serve?· To the east I see a very bright room. What is it used for?Tappa 5 · Guided visit