Spanish Plurals
Making plurals in Spanish is easy, but the whole phrase has to change: article, noun, and adjective. Learn two endings and a few spelling rules and you can make almost any plural.
Quick answer
- Vowel ending: add -s: casa → casas
- Consonant ending: add -es: ciudad → ciudades
- Everything agrees: los libros rojos
Add -s or -es
Add -s to nouns that end in a vowel. Add -es to nouns that end in a consonant.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| el libro | los libros |
| la casa | las casas |
| la ciudad | las ciudades |
| el papel | los papeles |
| el pan | los panes |
Examples
- Tengo dos libros.I have two books.Add -s.
- Las ciudades son grandes.The cities are big.Add -es.
- Compré tres panes.I bought three loaves of bread.Add -es.
Spelling changes
Nouns ending in -z change to -ces: lápiz → lápices. Words with an accent on -ón, -és, or -ín lose the accent in the plural: canción → canciones. Words ending in -s with an unstressed last syllable do not change: el lunes → los lunes.
Examples
- Necesito dos lápices.I need two pencils.z becomes c.
- Me gustan esas canciones.I like those songs.Accent drops.
- Trabajo los lunes y los martes.I work on Mondays and Tuesdays.Same form.
Articles and adjectives agree
Articles and adjectives take the plural too: el libro rojo → los libros rojos. A mixed group of masculine and feminine nouns takes the masculine plural.
Examples
- Los libros nuevos son caros.The new books are expensive.All plural.
- Mis amigos y amigas son simpáticos.My male and female friends are nice.Mixed group: masculine.
- Las casas blancas son bonitas.The white houses are pretty.Feminine plural.
Words that are always plural
Some words are plural in Spanish: las gafas (glasses), los pantalones (pants), las vacaciones (vacation), las gracias (thanks).
Examples
- Mis pantalones son azules.My pants are blue.Plural.
- Estoy de vacaciones.I am on vacation.Always plural.
- Muchas gracias.Thank you very much.Plural.
Spanish around the world
- For eyeglasses, Spain says gafas and Mexico says lentes. Both are plural.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Los libro son nuevos.
Correct: Los libros son nuevos.
Every word must be plural.
Incorrect: Dos lápizes.
Correct: Dos lápices.
z becomes c before e.
Incorrect: Las canciónes.
Correct: Las canciones.
The accent drops.
Incorrect: Los casas.
Correct: Las casas.
Casa is feminine.
Remember the idea
- Vowel: -s. Consonant: -es.
- z → ces. Accents often drop: canción → canciones.
- Article, noun, and adjective all become plural.
Mini practice
5 quick questions. You get feedback right after each answer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a plural of a word ending in a stressed vowel?
Add -s or -es. Both occur: sofás, rubíes.
Is ‘agua’ plural las aguas?
Yes, las aguas. The singular uses el agua but adjectives stay feminine.
What if a family has the same last name?
Last names do not change: los García.
How do I make colors plural?
Add -s or -es, depending on the ending. See our colors lesson.
Ready to practice your Spanish?
Plurals are quick to learn. Try a short, free practice session.
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