Where do Adjectives go?
Unlike English, where adjectives almost always come before the noun, French is more flexible. While most adjectives follow the noun, a select group of common adjectives must be placed before it. Mastering this is key to sounding natural!
The General Rule: After the Noun
In French, the default position for adjectives is after the noun they describe. This is especially true for adjectives describing color, shape, religion, and nationality. Practice this with PrepMyFrench exercises to build your intuition.
ColorsUn chat noir
ShapesUne table ronde
NationalitiesUn film français
ReligionUne fête catholique
The BANGS Exception
B
BeautyBeau / JoliA
AgeJeune / VieuxG
GoodnessBon / MauvaisS
SizePetit / GrandMeaning Shifters
| Adjective | Before Noun (Figurative/Subjective) | After Noun (Literal/Objective) |
|---|---|---|
| Ancien | Ancien élève (Former student) | Meuble ancien (Antique furniture) |
| Cher | Cher ami (Dear friend) | Livre cher (Expensive book) |
| Propre | Ma propre chambre (My own room) | Une chambre propre (A clean room) |
Pro Tip
When you have multiple adjectives, some might go before and some after! For example: Un petit chat noir (A small black cat). If you're unsure about a specific word, check the PrepMyFrench verb conjugator and dictionary for usage tips.