When you have one or more

Singular and Plural Nouns

The French language most times adds an s to the plural nouns in French to pluralize them. For example:

• les bébés (the babies)
• les champs (the fields)
• des robes (some gowns)
• des chaussures (some shoes)

There are some exceptions though:

1. If the word ends with “s” or “x” you do not need to add an “s”

le tapis (the carpet)- les tapis (the carpets) , l’époux (the spouse)- les époux (the spouses)

2. Most words ending in “al / au” add an “x” for their plural

le cheval (the horse) — les chevaux (the horses), le général (the general)-les généraux (the generals), le tableau (the table)— les tableaux (the table)

Funny fact: French have a plural for water: l’eau = les eaux

3. Most words ending with “ou” add an “s” except these 8 common nouns which take “x”

le chou (the cabbage), le hibou (the owl), le bijou (the jewellery), le caillou (the stone), le genou (the knee), le joujou (toy), le pou (louse)

4. Some nouns are mostly represented in the plural form

les affaires (business), les céréales (cereals), les conseils (tips/advice/counsel), les connaissances (knowledge), les devoirs (homework)

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