plural

Plural of Nouns in Spanish

In Spanish, nouns are marked for number, meaning they can be singular (one) or plural (more than one). To make a noun plural, we generally add an ending to the word. The definite articles also change to match the plural noun.

1. The Definite Articles

Before looking at noun endings, it is important to know that the article preceding the noun must also become plural:

• el (singular masculine) becomes los.
• la (singular feminine) becomes las.

2. General Rules for Forming the Plural

The rule you apply depends on the final letter of the noun.

Nouns ending in a vowel

If a noun ends in an unaccented vowel (-a, -e, -i, -o, -u), simply add -s.

• la casa → las casas (the houses)
• el libro → los libros (the books)
• el vino → los vinos (the wines)

Nouns ending in a consonant

If a noun ends in a consonant (like -l, -n, -r, -d, etc.), add -es.

• el papel → los papeles (the papers)
• el reloj → los relojes (the watches/clocks)
• el amor → los amores (the loves)

3. Spelling Changes and Accents

There are a few special cases you need to watch out for to maintain correct spelling and pronunciation.

Nouns ending in -z

For nouns ending in -z, change the z to a c before adding -es.

• el lápiz → los lápices (the pencils)
• la luz → las luces (the lights)

Nouns ending in stressed -í or -ú

Nouns ending in a stressed -í or -ú (with an accent mark) typically add -es. They keep their written accent.

• el manatí → los manatíes (the manatees)
• el tabú → los tabúes (the taboos)

Losing the accent mark

If a noun has an accent mark on the final syllable (e.g., words ending in -n or -s), it usually loses that accent mark in the plural. This is because the stress naturally falls on the correct syllable when -es is added, so the written mark is no longer needed.

• el camión → los camiones (the trucks)
• el francés → los franceses (the Frenchmen)