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The plural takes many forms in French. It's very important to know them because the pronunciation can change.

Regular Plurals :

Most nouns are made plural when you add "s" to the singular form. "Les" is the definite article accompanying all plural nouns.
*Pronunciation tip: there's a liaison between "les" and a word beginning with a vowel.

Masculine
English Singular Plural
Boy Le garçon Les garçons
Book Le livre Les livres
Friend L'ami Les amis

Feminine
English Singular Plural
Girl La fille Les filles
Table La table Les tables
Friend L'amie Les amies


Nouns ending in s, x, or z :

These nouns are alike in both the singular and plural forms. The only difference is that the article (le, la, les) changes.

English Singular Plural
Wood Le bois Les bois
Price Le prix Les prix
Nose Le nez Les nez


Nouns ending in au, eau, eu, or oeu

For these nouns, add "x" to form the plural. But there are exceptions to the rule like the word tire : le pneu --> les pneus.

English Singular Plural
Jewel Le joyau Les joyaux
Camel Le chameau Les chameaux
FireLe feuLes feux
Wish Le vœu Les vœux


Nouns ending in ou :

They adds "s" to the plural. But 7 words escape to the rule, they add "x" :
Bijou(jewel), caillou(stone), chou(cabbage), genou(knee), hibou(owl), joujou(toy), pou(louse).

English Singular Plural
Hole Le trou Les trous
Nail Le clou Les clous

BUT (the 7 words)
Stone Le caillou Les cailloux...


Nouns ending in -al :

Many nouns ending in "al" in the singular change "al"to "aux" to form the plural. Of course, there are exceptions...

English Singular Plural
Horse Le chaval Les chevaux
Newspaper Le journal Les journaux
Festival Le festival Les festivals


Nouns ending in ail :

Many nouns ending in "ail" add "s" to form the plural. There are again exceptions...

English Singular Plural
Fan L'éventail Les éventails
Detail Le détail Les détails
Work Le travail Les travaux


Irregular Plurals :

English Singular Plural
Mr. Le monsieur Les messieurs
Mrs. madame mesdames
Sky Le ciel Les cieux 


Note :
Family names do not add "s" to the plural !!

 
 
 
 
         
 
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