ELONIO
Log inSign up

Ese peligroso reptil terrestre es muy venenoso.

Ese peligroso reptil terrestre es muy venenoso.
That dangerous terrestrial reptile is very poisonous.
From Lesson 468:Relational vs. qualifying adjectives·Spanish (Latin America)

Questions & Answers about Ese peligroso reptil terrestre es muy venenoso.

Why does terrestre have to go exactly after reptil?
Terrestre is a relational adjective. This means it classifies the noun into a specific factual category (a land reptile, as opposed to an aquatic one). In Spanish, relational adjectives must always be placed directly after the noun they modify. You cannot put them before the noun.
Since peligroso is also an adjective, could I put it right after reptil and say Ese reptil peligroso terrestre?
No, that order breaks a key rule. When a noun has both a relational adjective (like terrestre) and a qualifying adjective (like peligroso), the relational adjective must stay closest to the noun because it forms a core concept (reptil terrestre). If you want both after the noun, it must be Ese reptil terrestre peligroso. Placing peligroso before the noun, as in this sentence, is a great stylistic trick to emphasize the danger while leaving the relational adjective in its strict mandatory spot.
The sentence uses muy venenoso. Could we also say something is muy terrestre?
No, you generally cannot use degree words like muy (very) or poco (a little) with relational adjectives like terrestre. A relational adjective places a noun into a strict category—an animal either is a land reptile or it isn't. In contrast, venenoso (poisonous) is a qualifying adjective, which describes a trait that can vary in intensity, so it naturally accepts muy.
Just to refresh, why do we use es instead of está for being poisonous?
Being poisonous is a biological, inherent characteristic of this specific reptile, not a temporary condition or a sudden change. For defining traits, permanent classifications, and intrinsic physical qualities, Spanish always uses the verb ser (conjugated here as es).

Learn Ese peligroso reptil terrestre es muy venenoso and more in Spanish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Spanish →