Spanish Plurals: A Comprehensive Guide75

Spanish plurals are formed by adding an ending to the singular form of the noun. The most common plural endings are -s, -es, and -es.

-s Plural

The -s plural is used for most nouns that end in a vowel. For example:
casa (house) -> casas (houses)
perro (dog) -> perros (dogs)
libro (book) -> libros (books)

-es Plural

The -es plural is used for most nouns that end in a consonant. For example:
gato (cat) -> gatos (cats)
árbol (tree) -> árboles (trees)
flor (flower) -> flores (flowers)

-es Plural

The -es plural is used for some nouns that end in -á, -í, or -ú. For example:
mamá (mother) -> mamás (mothers)
papá (father) -> papás (fathers)
hermano (brother) -> hermanos (brothers)

Irregular Plurals

There are a few nouns that have irregular plurals. The most common irregular plurals are:
hombre (man) -> hombres (men)
mujer (woman) -> mujeres (women)
niño (child) -> niños (children)
pie (foot) -> pies (feet)
ojo (eye) -> ojos (eyes)

Plurals of Compound Nouns

Compound nouns are formed by combining two or more words. The plural of a compound noun is formed by adding the plural ending to the last word in the compound. For example:
portavoz (spokesperson) -> portavoces (spokespeople)
guardabosques (park ranger) -> guardabosques (park rangers)
salvavidas (lifeguard) -> salvavidas (lifeguards)

Plurals of Nouns Ending in -ez

Nouns that end in -ez have two possible plurals: -es or -eces. The plural form in -es is more common.
felicidad (happiness) -> felicidades (happiness, congratulations)
vejez (old age) -> vejeces (old age)
belleza (beauty) -> bellezas (beauty)

Plurals of Nouns Ending in -y

Nouns that end in -y have two possible plurals: -es or -ys. The plural form in -es is more common.
ley (law) -> leyes (laws)
rey (king) -> reyes (kings)
buey (ox) -> bueyes (oxen)

Plurals of Numbers

Numbers are treated as nouns in Spanish. The plural of a number is formed by adding the plural ending -s. For example:
uno (one) -> unos (ones)
dos (two) -> dos (twos)
tres (three) -> tres (threes)

Plurals of Letters

Letters are also treated as nouns in Spanish. The plural of a letter is formed by adding the plural ending -es. For example:
a (a) -> aes (as)
b (b) -> bes (bs)
c (c) -> ces (cs)

2024-11-15

Previous：Spanish Language Overview

Next：The Significance of “o“ in the Spanish Language