Quick explanation:

The position of qualifying adjectives is generally after the noun, especially

1. Those denoting physical qualities, as:

• Un hombre ciego: A blind man.
• Una mesa redonda: A round table.
• Paño negro: Black cloth.

2. Those denoting nationality, as:

• Quincalla inglesa: British hardware.

3. Those derived from verbs, as:

• Mercancía averiada: Damaged goods.

Long Explanation:

The above rule is subject to many exceptions for the sake of euphony or to give more than the ordinary prominence to the adjective or the noun; however, the following rule will be found a reliable general one, and it is in fact the informing principle of all special rules given in the various grammars:

An adjective used as an epithet should precede the noun; if used as a distinguishing word it should follow.

By an adjective used as an epithet, we mean one calling to mind a quality known (or supposed) to belong to the noun, as:

• No perdió el aliento el valiente general:
  The brave general did not lose courage.

By a distinguishing word we mean one used to indicate the quality of a noun as compared with another of the same species, as:

• Quiero comprar maquinaria barata:
  I wish to buy cheap machinery.

The Partitive Adjectives "some" and "any" are left out in translation when they do not convey the idea of limited quantity. When they do, "algún," "un poco de" (sing.), "algunos" and "unos" (pl.) are used.

"Un poco de" and "unos" convey the idea of a more limited quantity or number than "alguno" and "algunos."

The following few examples are calculated to make it clear as regards the various shades of meaning:

• ¿Tiene usted alfombras?
  Do you have any carpets?
• Tengo un poco de azúcar para vender:
  I have some sugar to sell.
• ¿Quiere usted un poco de papel?
  Do you want some paper?
• Yo tengo algunas obligaciones:
  I have some duties.
• He recibido algunos cigarros, le reservaré unas cajas de los mejores:
  I have received some cigars; I will reserve some boxes of the best quality for you.

One adjective preceding two or more nouns agrees in gender and number with the first only, as:

• La nueva caldera y accesorios gustó (or gustaron) mucho al cliente:
  The new boiler and accessories pleased the customer very much.

When the adjective follows two or more nouns, it is put in the plural, as:

• El trigo y el maíz están sostenidos:
  Wheat and maize are firm.

If the nouns are of different genders, the adjective is pl. masc., as:

• El encaje y las guarniciones han salido caros:
  The lace and trimmings came out dear.

When all the several nouns preceding the adjective are in the plural, and all referring to things (not persons), the adjective may be made to agree in gender with the noun last mentioned, as:

• Los tornillos y las tuercas están bien ajustados (or ajustadas):
  The screws and nuts are well adjusted. It is better to avoid this construction.

1. By saying "las tuercas y los tornillos están bien ajustados."

2. By using an adjective having the same termination for masculine and feminine.

3. By giving a different turn to the sentence, as: "Son de buen ajuste".

Adjectives that qualify the fem. nada (nothing) are always used in the masculine:

• Nada bueno espero de él:
  I expect nothing good from him.

Adjectives referring to titles of individuals are placed in the gender of the persons bearing those titles, as:

• V. (contraction of Vuestra Merced) es muy buen amigo:
  You are a very good friend.

Adjectives of colour derived from a noun, as "violeta" (violet), "rosa" (pink), "chocolate" (chocolate), etc., do not take the mark of the plural, the words "color de" being understood before them, as:

• Guantes crema:
  Cream gloves.