DELE A1 Guide: Possessive Adjectives – Mi, Tu, Su, Nuestro
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Want to practice first? Try a General Possessive Adjectives Quiz!
Key Takeaways
- Learn possessive adjectives: mi, tu, su, nuestro
- Master gender and number agreement
- Understand short and long possessive forms
- Learn to express ownership and relationships
- Essential for DELE A1 personal descriptions and conversations
Welcome to your complete guide to Spanish possessive adjectives, essential for talking about ownership, relationships, and personal belongings on the DELE A1 exam. Mastering these will help you describe what belongs to whom in everyday conversations.
What are Possessive Adjectives?
Possessive adjectives (adjetivos posesivos) are words that show ownership or relationship. They indicate who owns something or who has a relationship with someone. In Spanish, they must agree in number with the nouns they modify, and some also agree in gender.
Possessive Adjectives Chart
Short Form Possessives (Most Common)
| English | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| my | mi | mi | mis | mis |
| your (tú) | tu | tu | tus | tus |
| his/her/your (usted) | su | su | sus | sus |
| our | nuestro | nuestra | nuestros | nuestras |
| your (vosotros) | vuestro | vuestra | vuestros | vuestras |
| their/your (ustedes) | su | su | sus | sus |
DELE A1 Tip: For the A1 exam, focus on mi, tu, su, nuestro. These are the most essential possessive adjectives you’ll need for basic communication.
Usage Rules and Examples
Singular Possession Examples
- mi libro (my book)
- tu casa (your house)
- su familia (his/her/your family)
- nuestra escuela (our school)
Plural Possession Examples
- mis libros (my books)
- tus casas (your houses)
- sus familias (their families)
- nuestras escuelas (our schools)
Common Usage Patterns
With Family Members
- mi madre (my mother)
- tu padre (your father)
- sus hermanos (his/her brothers)
- nuestra familia (our family)
With Personal Items
- mi teléfono (my phone)
- tu coche (your car)
- su bolso (her purse)
- nuestro apartamento (our apartment)
With Daily Life Objects
- mi trabajo (my work)
- tu escuela (your school)
- su comida (his food)
- nuestra casa (our house)
DELE A1 Exam Practice
Speaking Section Examples
- Describe your family: “Mi familia es grande”
- Talk about possessions: “Mi coche es azul”
- Discuss routines: “Mi trabajo empieza a las ocho”
- Share information: “Nuestra casa tiene tres dormitorios”
Writing Section Examples
- Write about your daily routine
- Describe your family members
- List your possessions and belongings
- Write about your home and school
Clarifying “Su” and “Sus”
Understanding Context
Since su/sus can mean his, her, your (formal), or their, you may need to clarify:
- Su casa → La casa de él (his house)
- Su casa → La casa de ella (her house)
- Su casa → La casa de usted (your house)
- Sus libros → Los libros de ellos (their books)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting number agreement: ❌ “mi libros” ✅ “mis libros”
- Wrong gender with nuestro: ❌ “nuestro casa” ✅ “nuestra casa”
- Using subject pronouns: ❌ “yo mi libro” ✅ “mi libro”
Question Forms with Possessives
Asking About Possessions
- ¿Es tu libro? (Is it your book?)
- ¿Dónde está mi mochila? (Where is my backpack?)
- ¿Son sus llaves? (Are they your keys?)
- ¿Cómo es tu familia? (What is your family like?)
Next Step: Test Your Knowledge!
Ready to check your understanding of possessive adjectives?
Take our DELE A1 Possessive Adjectives Quiz here to confirm you’re ready for this part of the exam.
What’s Next in Your DELE A1 Journey?
- Ready for more grammar? Study Demonstrative Adjectives
- Need family vocabulary? Review Family Members Guide
- Practice all A1 grammar? Take a Full A1 Grammar Test
Good luck with your DELE A1 preparation!
