What differentiates the 2 sentences below

James G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

What differentiates the 2 sentences below

Why in the 1st sentence does the noun precede and why in the 2nd sentence does the adjective precede?

Aquel hombre pobre no tiene dinero. (Poor)

Aquel pobre hombre era muy desgraciado. (Disgraced)

The only distinction I see is the different quality described by each adjective.

---------------------------------------------

And, how does the chart below help to answer my question?

Adjective           before             after

  pobre           unfortunate        poor

---------------------------------------------

It would be useful to use single spacing in this edit window. It would be a more efficient use of space, minimizing the need to scroll. I am obsessed with formatting. 

Thank you, James

Asked 4 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola James,

When using the adjective "pobre" in front or after the noun we are going to have a different meaning. If we say "el hombre pobre" we are generally going to think of a man with no money, literally poor. When we use "el pobre hombre" we are generally going to think of a man who is going through a difficult time in life, maybe he lost his wife, or he lost his job... or he has no one at all..., this sort of "poor man" (not necessarily money related.)

In terms of formatting I will pass that on to our team.

Gracias y saludos,

Inma

James G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

So if I understand your explanation, this fact helps
the listener to receive understanding rather than
the speaker to give understanding?
Does this make sense?

James

James G. asked:

What differentiates the 2 sentences below

Why in the 1st sentence does the noun precede and why in the 2nd sentence does the adjective precede?

Aquel hombre pobre no tiene dinero. (Poor)

Aquel pobre hombre era muy desgraciado. (Disgraced)

The only distinction I see is the different quality described by each adjective.

---------------------------------------------

And, how does the chart below help to answer my question?

Adjective           before             after

  pobre           unfortunate        poor

---------------------------------------------

It would be useful to use single spacing in this edit window. It would be a more efficient use of space, minimizing the need to scroll. I am obsessed with formatting. 

Thank you, James

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Clever stuff happening!