Use possessive pronouns Spanish: everything you need to know about them with examples

In the following article, we’ll unpack the essentials of Spanish possessive pronouns and adjectives. We’ll start off with a practical breakdown of what possessive pronouns Spanish are, and we’re bringing examples, too!

But first, let’s recap what you have to know about Spanish grammar. Spring Spanish (a project I co-founded) teacher Mariana explains it in 5 points:

After this video, we’ll switch gears to our main talking point: possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives. Let’s explore the differences between the two types and tackle the common mix-ups!

Grab a pen, and let’s get started!

Empecemos! (Let’s start!)

1. What are Possessive Pronouns Spanish?

The intriguing aspect of Spanish possessive pronouns is that they must match the gender and number of the Spanish nouns they are replacing.

This means that they can take four forms: singular masculine, singular feminine, plural masculine, and plural feminine.

Let’s explore this with a comprehensive table!

Possessive Pronouns Spanish

To use possessive pronouns in Spanish fluently, let’s see them in action:

1. Este libro no es tuyo, es el mío. (This book isn’t yours, it’s mine.)
2. Prefiero la tuya a la mía. (I prefer yours to mine.)
3. Los problemas de ellos son los suyos, no los nuestros. (Their problems are theirs, not ours.)
4. ¿Son estas llaves las vuestras o las suyas? (Are these keys yours or theirs?)
5. No encuentro los míos, ¿has visto los tuyos? (I can’t find mine, have you seen yours?)

By the way, I’m sure there’s an easier way to learn possessive pronouns Spanish, and that’s with Conversation Based Chunking. This method teaches you all the grammar you have to know to by engaging in real-life conversations and real-life situations.

2. What are Possessive Adjectives in Spanish?

Possessive adjectives in Spanish are used to express ownership and possession as well, but unlike possessive pronouns, they are used before a noun and must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe.

There are shorter forms that are gender-neutral and commonly used.

Here’s a table showing these unstressed possessive adjectives:

Gendered-neutral Possessive adjectives Spanish

When we use possessive adjectives in Spanish sentences, they help us specify the ownership clearly:

1. Mi perro es muy amigable. (My dog is very friendly.)
2. ¿Dónde está tu mochila? (Where is your backpack?)
3. Su idea parece prometedora. (His/Her/Your idea seems promising.)
4. Tomamos nuestra decisión. (We made our decision.)
5. Vuestra hermana es muy talentosa. (Your sister is very talented.)

Now let’s look at gendered Spanish possessive adjectives, which are required when using definite articles:

Gendered Spanish Possessive Adjectives

Wondering how all of this works in practice? Check these sentences!

1. Nuestro abuelo era marinero. (Our grandfather was a sailor.)
2. Vuestra casa necesita reparaciones. (Your house needs repairs.)
3. Nuestras experiencias nos definen. (Our experiences define us.)

3. Difference Between Possessive Pronouns Spanish and Possessive Adjectives?

Possessive pronouns and possessive adjectives in Spanish might seem similar but they’re used differently.

Possessive pronouns replace a noun that’s already been mentioned, making it unnecessary to repeat the noun. In contrast, possessive adjectives accompany the noun and provide information about who owns it.

Let’s compare both with example sentences:

1. El coche de Juan es rápido, pero el mío (possessive pronoun) es más rápido. (Juan’s car is fast, but mine is faster.)
2. Mi (possessive adjective) coche necesita gasolina. (My car needs gasoline.)
3. Esa es su (possessive adjective) bicicleta, no la tuya (possessive pronoun). (That is his bike, not yours.)

4. Learn More Spanish Grammar: El Tuyo vs. El Suyo

Understanding the difference between “el tuyo” and “el suyo” can help you speak Spanish like a native.

“El tuyo” refers to something that belongs to the person you’re talking to (informal “you”).

• Este regalo es el tuyo. (This gift is yours.)

While “el suyo” can refer to something that belongs to him, her, it, you (formal), or them.

• El suyo está en la mesa. (His/Hers/Yours is on the table.)

Combine these two in one sentence, and you’ll get the feeling in no time!

• No, no es el tuyo, es el suyo. (No, it’s not yours, it’s his/hers.)

5. Practice Worksheet – Possessive Pronoun Forms

To master possessive pronouns Spanish, practice is key.

Here’s a worksheet to help you strengthen your language skills:

I. Replace the possessive adjective with the correct possessive pronoun:

1. Esta chaqueta es ___________. (mía/nuestra) (This jacket is MINE.)
2. Las flores son ___________. (tuyas/suyas) (The flowers are YOURS.)
3. Los libros son ___________. (vuestros/nuestros) (The books are OURS.)

This is just one of the three exercises connected to this topic. If you want to practice more, click the button below and gain access to every one of our Practice Worksheets from our comprehensive Practice Library!

6. Ready to Learn Spanish Possessive Pronouns with Conversation Based Chunking?

If you’ve reached this point, you’re well on your way to using possessive pronouns Spanish and possessive adjectives in Spanish.

Using the Conversation Based Chunking method can accelerate your learning by helping you understand and practice the language within the context of conversations.

Start practicing Possessive Pronouns Spanish today, make sure to check the tables provided to remember the forms and try creating sentences on your own. With a bit of dedication, you’ll be able to express ownership and possession in Spanish comfortably.