Adjectives Theory

Question 1

How should you use definite and indefinite adjectives differently?

Answer 1

In nominative masculine singular, add an “i” to adjective for definite

Question 2

How do you treat adjectives ending in “an”, “ar” or with a fleeting “a”

Answer 2

Removing the “a” to decline (e.g. slobodan declined as slobodn..; tužan declined as tužn..). Same applies for adding “i” in nominative singular.

Question 3

How should you decline adjectives as a general rule

Answer 3

Follow the form of their nouns (in gender, case and plurality). This also applies for possessive adjectives.

Question 4

How should you treat adjectives ending in “eo” (m) or “la” (f) (e.g bela)

Answer 4

In masculine, decline with an l at the end (e.g belog)

Question 5

How do you create possessive adjectives?

Answer 5

• Add “ov” to base of masculine nouns ending in hard consonant
• Add “ev” to base of masculine nouns ending in soft consonant
• Add “ina” to the end (e.g. “ženina for woman’s)

Question 6

How do you create comparative adjectives?

Answer 6

By adding the following suffixes:
- For most with one syllable, add ji (m), ja (f), je (n). This the simplest form, but there are multiple sound/spelling changes as a result, because the j softens the consonant (e.g z ecomes ž).
- For most with two or more syllables, add iji (m), ija (f) and ije (n)

Remember to drop a for “an” adjectives (e.g screćniji)

Question 7

How do you create superlative adjectives?

Answer 7

Add naj to the front of the comparative

Question 8

How do you form the passive past participle (e.g the car is washed, the walls are painted), which are adjectives formed from verbs.

Answer 8

For masculine singular:
- add “en”, “n” or “t” to infinitive base
- add “an” to ati verbs (eg cooked is kuvan)

Can then add usual feminine, neuter and corresponding plural endings.