Pattern
Adjective agreement extends to all four forms (m.sg., f.sg., m.pl., f.pl.) with stem changes (vowel alternations, consonant softening). Example negru → neagră, negri, negre.
Explanation
A deeper look at adjectives shows that the four forms aren't always a simple suffix swap. Many adjectives change their stem vowel in some forms. Negru (black) → neagră (fem. sg., note the diphthong), negri (masc. pl.), negre (fem. pl.). Roșu (red) → roșie, roșii, roșii. Mic (small) → mică, mici, mici.
Some patterns to recognize:
- -u → -ă: negru → neagră, roșu → roșie (with -ie ending)
- o → oa: frumos → frumoasă, înalt → înaltă (no change here actually)
- a → e in feminine plural: înalt → înalte, mare → mare (invariable)
A small group of adjectives is invariable: mare (big), dulce (sweet), tare (strong) stay the same across all four forms. Useful to know — fewer forms to learn.
Some adjectives also have suffixed comparative forms in fixed phrases: bun → mai bun → cel mai bun (covered separately under comparative).
Examples
| Romanian | English |
|---|---|
| Un câine negru, o pisică neagră. | A black dog, a black cat. |
| Mere roșii și pere galbene. | Red apples and yellow pears. |
| Băieți înalți și fete înalte. | Tall boys and tall girls. |
| Un copil dulce, o fată dulce, copii dulci, fete dulci. | A sweet child, a sweet girl, sweet children, sweet girls. |
| O carte interesantă și un film interesant. | An interesting book and an interesting film. |
Common mistakes
- Ignoring stem vowel changes: Negru → negră (not neagră) is incorrect; the diphthong is required.
- Treating invariable adjectives like regular ones: Maree is wrong; mare stays mare.
- Wrong masculine plural: Some adjectives end in -i (negri), others in -i with stem change (mici).
Heritage learner note
Heritage speakers know the common adjectives by ear but may flatten less-common ones to the masculine form. Watch out for color terms: roșu, galben, negru, alb all have four distinct forms with vowel alternations. Also: when describing a feminine plural noun, default to the -e ending (frumoase, înalte, mari, dulci). When in doubt, listen to native speakers around you and notice how they tweak the vowel.