Forming the singular feminine of -s ending nationality and place of origin adjectives in Spanish

Nationalities in Spanish ending in -s

There are many adjectives that refer to nationalities and places of origin which end in -s.

This is how they form their feminine singular:

add an -a. 

Have a look and listen to these examples:

Gareth es galés.Gareth is Welsh.

Seren es galesa.Seren is Welsh.

Mi padre es inglés.My father is English.

Mi madre es inglesa.My mother is English.

Este torero es cordobés.This bullfighter is from Córdoba.

Esta torera es cordobesa.This female bullfighter is from Córdoba.

Este postre es francés.This dessert is French.

Sylvie es una profesora francesa.Sylvie is a French teacher.

Notice how in all the examples the feminine form always loses the accent, as the word is no longer stressed on the last syllable.

Outside this context there aren't many common adjectives of this type. 

In Spanish this type of adjective are not capitalised.

Soy Inglés
Soy inglés
I am English.

See also Forming the plural of -s ending nationality and place of origin adjectives in Spanish

 

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

Gareth es galés.Gareth is Welsh.
Seren es galesa.Seren is Welsh.
Esta torera es cordobesa.This female bullfighter is from Córdoba.
Sylvie es una profesora francesa.Sylvie is a French teacher.
Este postre es francés.This dessert is French.
Mi madre es inglesa.My mother is English.
Mi padre es inglés.My father is English.
Este torero es cordobés.This bullfighter is from Córdoba.
Thinking...