Un chat dort.
English: A cat is sleeping.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A1
- Unit
- Noms et adjectifs
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In French, nouns (words for people, places, things, or ideas) can be singular (one) or plural (more than one). The form of the noun changes to show this.
When to use it
Use the singular form when talking about one thing. Use the plural form when talking about two or more things.
Key forms
- Add -s to most nouns to make them plural: un livre → des livres
- If the noun ends in -eau, -au, or -eu, add -x: un tableau → des tableaux
- If the noun ends in -al, change to -aux: un animal → des animaux
Examples
Des chats dorment.
English: Cats are sleeping.
J'ai un stylo.
English: I have a pen.
J'ai des stylos.
English: I have pens.
Un oiseau chante.
English: A bird is singing.
Tips
- The plural of most nouns is made by adding -s, but the -s is usually not pronounced.
- Remember to change the article (un/une → des) when making nouns plural.
- Some nouns have irregular plural forms. Learn them as you see them.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some nouns do not follow the regular rules, like un œil → des yeux.
- Nouns ending in -s, -x, or -z do not change in the plural (un nez → des nez).