How to Form Plural Nouns in Greek: A Guide for English Speakers

Understanding Greek Noun Plurals for English Learners

Greek nouns change their endings to form plurals, similar to English but with more variations depending on gender and declension. This guide will help English speakers grasp the basics of pluralizing Greek nouns effectively.

Greek Noun Genders and Their Impact on Plurals

Greek nouns are categorized into three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. Each gender follows specific patterns when forming plurals, so recognizing the gender of a noun is essential.

Forming Plurals of Masculine Nouns

Most masculine nouns ending in -ος (-os) form their plural by changing the ending to -οι (-oi). For example, άνθρωπος (man) becomes άνθρωποι (men).

• Singular: άνθρωπος (ánthropos) - man
• Plural: άνθρωποι (ánthropoi) - men
• Singular: φίλος (fílos) - friend
• Plural: φίλοι (fíloi) - friends

Forming Plurals of Feminine Nouns

Feminine nouns ending in -α (-a) or -η (-i) typically form plurals by changing the ending to -ες (-es). For example, γυναίκα (woman) becomes γυναίκες (women).

• Singular: γυναίκα (gynaíka) - woman
• Plural: γυναίκες (gynaíkes) - women
• Singular: πόλη (póli) - city
• Plural: πόλεις (póleis) - cities

Forming Plurals of Neuter Nouns

Neuter nouns ending in -ο (-o) or -ι (-i) form their plurals by changing the ending to -α (-a) or -ια (-ia) respectively. For example, παιδί (child) becomes παιδιά (children).

• Singular: παιδί (paidí) - child
• Plural: παιδιά (paidia) - children
• Singular: παράθυρο (paráthyro) - window
• Plural: παράθυρα (paráthyra) - windows

Common Irregular Plurals to Watch Out For

Some Greek nouns have irregular plural forms that do not follow the standard patterns. For example, άνθρωπος (man) is regular, but παιδί (child) is neuter with an irregular plural παιδιά. It's important to learn these exceptions as you progress.