How to Form Singular and Plural Nouns in Cantonese

Understanding Noun Number in Cantonese

Unlike English, Cantonese does not have a direct grammatical distinction between singular and plural nouns. This can be challenging for English speakers, as it requires a different way of thinking about noun quantity.

Using Context to Indicate Number

In Cantonese, the number of items is often determined by the context of the sentence. Context can be conveyed through various markers, such as numbers or measure words, rather than modifying the noun directly.

Numbers and Measure Words

To specify the number of a noun, you simply use numbers followed by measure words before the noun. This indicates the quantity, making it clear if a noun is singular or plural.

Common Measure Words

Measure words are crucial in Cantonese grammar. They serve as classifiers that go between the number and the noun. Here are a few common ones you might encounter:

• 個 (go3) - used for people and general items.
• 本 (bun2) - used for books and magazines.
• 隻 (jek3) - used for animals and certain inanimate objects.

Expressing Plurality Without Numbers

Even without numerical indicators, context such as referring to a group or using words like 'many' or 'some' can suggest plurality.

Contextual Clues in Sentences

Oftentimes, sentences will naturally give away whether a noun is singular or plural based on additional context provided by other parts of the sentence.