Language/Assamese/Grammar/Gender-and-Plurals

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Assamese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Nouns and Pronouns → Gender and Plurals

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the concept of gender in Assamese nouns and how to form plurals. Understanding gender and plurals is crucial for building a strong foundation in the Assamese language. We will explore the rules and patterns associated with gender and plurals, and provide plenty of examples to facilitate your learning experience. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of gender and plurals in Assamese and be able to use them in sentences confidently.

Gender in Assamese Nouns

In Assamese, nouns are divided into three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The gender of a noun is not determined by its meaning but is instead assigned based on the form or ending of the noun. It is important to note that the gender of a noun affects its associated pronouns, adjectives, and verb forms. Let's explore the different forms and endings that determine the gender of Assamese nouns.

Masculine Nouns

Masculine nouns in Assamese typically end with the vowel "আ" (a) or the consonant "ৰ" (r). Here are some examples of masculine nouns:

Assamese	Pronunciation	English
লোৰা (lora)	/lɔɹa/	boy
কলা (kola)	/kɔla/	banana
বইসমূহ (boisomuh)	/bɔisɔmuɦ/	books
বাঘ (bagh)	/bagʰ/	tiger

Feminine Nouns

Feminine nouns in Assamese typically end with the vowel "ই" (i) or the consonant "ব" (b). Here are some examples of feminine nouns:

Assamese	Pronunciation	English
মেজলি (mejoli)	/mɛdzɔli/	table
পকা (poka)	/pɔka/	flower
কলি (koli)	/kɔli/	bud
বৰষুণ (borsun)	/bɔɹʃun/	rain

Neuter Nouns

Neuter nouns in Assamese typically end with the vowel "অ" (o) or the consonant "ত" (t). Here are some examples of neuter nouns:

Assamese	Pronunciation	English
ঘৰ (ghor)	/gʰɔɹ/	house
মহুৰ (mohur)	/mɔɦuɹ/	peacock
পানি (pani)	/pani/	water
পথ (poth)	/pɔθ/	road

Forming Plurals

Now that we have explored the concept of gender in Assamese nouns, let's move on to forming plurals. In Assamese, plurals are formed by adding certain suffixes to the nouns. The suffix used depends on the gender and ending of the noun. Let's explore the different ways to form plurals in Assamese.

Plurals of Masculine Nouns

For masculine nouns ending with the vowel "আ" (a), the plural is formed by replacing the "আ" (a) with "ওৱা" (owa). Here are some examples:

• লোৰা (lora) (boy) → লোৰাওৱা (lorawoa) (boys)
• বাঘ (bagh) (tiger) → বাঘওৱা (baghowa) (tigers)

For masculine nouns ending with the consonant "ৰ" (r), the plural is formed by adding "সমূহ" (somuh) to the noun. Here are some examples:

• বই (boi) (book) → বইসমূহ (boisomuh) (books)
• বাই (bai) (brother) → বাইসমূহ (baisomuh) (brothers)

Plurals of Feminine Nouns

For feminine nouns ending with the vowel "ই" (i), the plural is formed by replacing the "ই" (i) with "ওৱা" (owa). Here are some examples:

• মেজলি (mejoli) (table) → মেজলাওৱা (mejolawoa) (tables)
• পকা (poka) (flower) → পকাওৱা (pokawoa) (flowers)

For feminine nouns ending with the consonant "ব" (b), the plural is formed by adding "সমূহ" (somuh) to the noun. Here are some examples:

• কলি (koli) (bud) → কলিসমূহ (kolisomuh) (buds)
• বৰষুণ (borsun) (rain) → বৰষুণসমূহ (borsunsomuh) (rains)

Plurals of Neuter Nouns

For neuter nouns ending with the vowel "অ" (o), the plural is formed by replacing the "অ" (o) with "সমূহ" (somuh). Here are some examples:

• ঘৰ (ghor) (house) → ঘৰসমূহ (ghorsomuh) (houses)
• পানি (pani) (water) → পানিসমূহ (panisomuh) (waters)

For neuter nouns ending with the consonant "ত" (t), the plural is formed by adding "সমূহ" (somuh) to the noun. Here are some examples:

• মহুৰ (mohur) (peacock) → মহুৰসমূহ (mohursomuh) (peacocks)
• পথ (poth) (road) → পথসমূহ (pothsomuh) (roads)

Cultural Insights

Understanding the usage of gender and forming plurals in Assamese is not only important for language learning but also provides insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the language. Assamese, being a rich and diverse language, reflects the cultural diversity and traditions of the Assamese people.

In Assamese literature, the usage of gender in nouns adds depth and beauty to the language. It allows for more nuanced expressions and descriptions. The formation of plurals also plays a significant role in expressing quantities and discussing multiple objects or entities. Learning about gender and plurals in Assamese will not only help you communicate effectively but also appreciate the cultural nuances embedded in the language.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's put your knowledge of gender and plurals in Assamese to the test with some practice exercises. Try to form the plurals of the following nouns:

• গিৰি (giri) (hill)
• কাঠ (kath) (wood)
• বাৰ (bar) (year)
• মহাবিদ্যালয় (mahavidyalay) (university)

Here are the correct plural forms:

• গিৰিসমূহ (girisomuh) (hills)
• কাঠসমূহ (kathsomuh) (woods)
• বাৰসমূহ (barsomuh) (years)
• মহাবিদ্যালয়সমূহ (mahavidyalaysomuh) (universities)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about gender and plurals in Assamese nouns. You now have the knowledge and skills to identify the gender of nouns and form their plurals. Remember to practice using gender and plurals in sentences to reinforce your understanding. Keep exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Assamese language and continue building your language skills. Happy learning!

Table of Contents - Assamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Assamese Script

• Vowels and Consonants
• Combined Letters

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject, Verb, and Object
• Questions and Negations

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Gender and Plurals
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Terms

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transport
• Directions and Locations

  ---

Assamese Festivals and Traditions

• Major Festivals
• Traditional Customs

Sources

• Assamese language - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Pronouns
• How to Use Have
• Adjectives
• Prepositions
• Descriptive Adjectives
• Personal Pronouns
• Plurals
• Conditional Mood
• 0 to A1 Course
• Comparatives and Superlatives

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