How to use Irregular superlatives: stem-changing adjectives in Spanish

Learn how to use Irregular superlatives: stem-changing adjectives, and what to use it for in Spanish.
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Irregular superlatives: stem-changing adjectives

Reminder: generally, superlatives are formed by adding muy (very) before the adjective, or with the endings -ísimo/ísima.

Alto → Nacho es muy alto.

Tall → Nacho is very tall.

Alto → Nacho es altísimo.

Tall → Nacho is super-tall.

When we add the endings ísimo/ísima, the stem of some adjectives changes:

Rico → El gazpacho está riquísimo.

Tasty → The gazpacho is quite delicious.

Largo → Hice un viaje larguísimo.

Long → I made a really long trip.

Amable → Magda es amabilísima.

Nice → Magda is so nice.

Antiguo → El hotel es antiquísimo.

Old → The hotel is very old. Ancient, even.

Célebre → Vino un actor celebérrimo.

Famous → A really famous actor came. I'm talking A-lister, Ana.

Other adjectives have two correct superlative forms, the second one being more formal:

Bueno → Vi un filme buenísimo/bonísimo.

Good → I saw an amazingly good film.

Fuerte → Hubo un ruido fuertísimo/fortísimo.

Loud → There was a very loud noise. Pardon me!

Nuevo → La camiseta está nuevísima/novísima.

New → The T-shirt is brand new.

Pobre → Es un barrio pobrísimo/paupérrimo.

Poor → It's a very poor neighborhood. But those of who live here appreciate its community spirit and lack of pretension, Ana.


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