General Rules
* Most nouns: Add "-s" to the end of the word.
* Nouns ending in "-s," "-x," or "-z": Stay the same in the plural.
* Nouns ending in "-au," "-eu," "-ou": Add "-x" to the end of the word.
Examples:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| livre (book) | livres |
| table (table) | tables |
| chaise (chair) | chaises |
| autobus (bus) | autobus |
| prix (price) | prix |
| nez (nose) | nez |
| chapeau (hat) | chapeaux |
| jeu (game) | jeux |
| clou (nail) | clous |
Exceptions:
* Nouns ending in "-al": Change "-al" to "-aux" (but not if the word ends in "-ail" or "-ail").
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| cheval (horse) | chevaux |
| journal (newspaper) | journaux |
| * Exception: travail (work) | travaux |
* Nouns ending in "-ail" or "-ail": Add "-s"
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| travail (work) | travaux |
| détail (detail) | détails |
* Nouns ending in "-ail" or "-ail": Add "-s"
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| travail (work) | travaux |
| détail (detail) | détails |
* Nouns ending in "-y" preceded by a consonant: Change "-y" to "-s"
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| baby (baby) | babys |
| city (city) | cities |
* Nouns ending in "-y" preceded by a vowel: Add "-s"
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| * Exception: pays (country) | pays |
| * Exception: rayon (ray) | rayons |
Irregular Plurals:
Some words have irregular plural forms, such as:
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| enfant (child) | enfants |
| femme (woman) | femmes |
| homme (man) | hommes |
| œil (eye) | yeux |
Gender Considerations:
* Remember that French nouns have genders (masculine or feminine).
* The plural form can be influenced by the gender of the noun.
Important Notes:
* Compound Nouns: The plural is usually formed by adding "-s" to the last word of the compound. For example, "porte-manteau" (coat rack) becomes "porte-manteaux".
* Nouns that are Always Plural: Some words are only used in the plural form, such as "les vacances" (holidays).
Practice Makes Perfect!
The best way to master French plurals is through practice. Use flashcards, read French texts, and listen to conversations to reinforce the rules and exceptions.