How to Form Singular and Plural Nouns in Croatian

Understanding Singular and Plural Nouns in Croatian

In Croatian, nouns have singular and plural forms just like in English. However, the way plurals are formed depends on the noun's gender and ending. Learning these patterns is essential for proper communication.

Gender of Croatian Nouns

Croatian nouns are divided into three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The gender affects how the plural form is created.

Masculine nouns often end in a consonant.
Feminine nouns usually end in -a.
Neuter nouns typically end in -o or -e.

Forming the Plural for Masculine Nouns

Most masculine nouns form the plural by adding -i or -ovi depending on the ending and stress.

For example:

• grad (city) → gradovi (cities)
• stol (table) → stolovi (tables)
• pas (dog) → psi (dogs)

Forming the Plural for Feminine Nouns

Feminine nouns usually form the plural by replacing the ending -a with -e.

For example:

• žena (woman) → žene (women)
• knjiga (book) → knjige (books)

Forming the Plural for Neuter Nouns

Neuter nouns typically form the plural by replacing the ending -o or -e with -a.

For example:

• dijete (child) → djeca (children)
• more (sea) → mora (seas)

Common Irregular Plurals

Some Croatian nouns have irregular plural forms that do not follow the standard patterns. These must be memorized.

Summary of Plural Endings by Gender

• Masculine: usually -i or -ovi
• Feminine: usually -e
• Neuter: usually -a