Past participles used as adjectives
What is a past participle? It is a verb form that can be used as an adjective. You can use it to describe a condition or an injury to a part of the body. For example: The verb “torcer” (to twist/sprain) Me torcí el tobillo. (Preterite form) Now let’s use the past participle of torcer as an adjective: Tengo el tobillo torcido. (Notice the different ending)
How to form a past participle: For an –ar verb: drop the infinitive ending and add -ado For example: Vendar Vendado Hinchar Hinchado For an –er or –ir verb: drop the infinitive ending and add -ido For example: TorcerTorcido HerirHerido
¡Cuidado! Watch out for the irregulars: Tengan mucho cuidado….. Romper (to break)turns into “Roto” NOT “Rompido” Abrir (to open) turn into “Abierto” NOT “Abrido”
Agreement of past participles and nouns When used as adjectives, participles must agree with nouns in number and gender: Tengo los brazos rotos. Tiene las piernas rotas. Tienes el codo hinchado. Tengo el dedo vendado. Tienen las orejas quemadas.