Language/Lithuanian/Grammar/Singular-and-Plural-Nouns

Lithuanian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Nouns and Pronouns → Singular and Plural Nouns

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Lithuanian Grammar, specifically focusing on singular and plural nouns. In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use singular and plural nouns in Lithuanian. Nouns are an essential part of any language, as they allow us to identify and categorize objects, people, and concepts. Understanding how to form and use singular and plural nouns will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Lithuanian.

Throughout this lesson, we will explore the rules and patterns for forming plural nouns in Lithuanian. We will also discuss any regional variations in the usage or understanding of singular and plural nouns, as well as delve into interesting cultural facts and anecdotes related to the topic. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in using singular and plural nouns in Lithuanian and be able to apply this knowledge in various contexts.

Let's begin!

Forming Plural Nouns

In Lithuanian, the plural form of a noun is typically formed by adding a suffix to the singular form. The specific suffix used depends on the gender and declension class of the noun. There are several declension classes in Lithuanian, each with its own set of rules for forming plural nouns. In this lesson, we will focus on the most common declension classes.

Masculine Nouns

Masculine nouns in Lithuanian can be divided into three declension classes: a, is, and us. Let's take a look at the formation of plural nouns in each of these declension classes.

Declension Class a

In the a declension class, the singular form of the noun usually ends in -as, -is, -ys, or -us. To form the plural, the -s is replaced with -ai. Here are a few examples:

Lithuanian	Pronunciation	English
vyras	[ˈvʲɪrɐs]	man	vyrai	[ˈvʲɪrɐɪ]	men
medis	[ˈmʲɛdʲɪs]	tree	medžiai	[ˈmʲɛdʒɛɪ]	trees
raštas	[ˈrɐʂtɐs]	letter	raštai	[ˈrɐʂtɐɪ]	letters

Declension Class is

In the is declension class, the singular form of the noun usually ends in -is or -ys. To form the plural, the -s is replaced with -iai. Here are a few examples:

Lithuanian	Pronunciation	English
vėjas	[ˈvʲæjɐs]	wind	vėjai	[ˈvʲæjɐɪ]	winds
šuo	[ʃʊɔ]	dog	šunys	[ˈʃʊnɪs]	dogs
laivas	[ˈlɐɪvɐs]	ship	laivai	[ˈlɐɪvɐɪ]	ships

Declension Class us

In the us declension class, the singular form of the noun usually ends in -us. To form the plural, the -us is replaced with -ūs. Here are a few examples:

Lithuanian	Pronunciation	English
brolis	[ˈbrɔlɪs]	brother	broliai	[ˈbrɔlɪaɪ]	brothers
žmogus	[ˈʒmɔgus]	person	žmonės	[ˈʒmɔnʲes]	people
stebuklas	[ˈstæbʊklɐs]	miracle	stebuklai	[ˈstæbʊklɐɪ]	miracles

Feminine Nouns

Feminine nouns in Lithuanian can be divided into two declension classes: a and ė. Let's take a look at the formation of plural nouns in each of these declension classes.

Declension Class a

In the a declension class, the singular form of the noun usually ends in -a. To form the plural, the -a is replaced with -os. Here are a few examples:

Lithuanian	Pronunciation	English
moteris	[ˈmɔtʲɛrɪs]	woman	moterys	[ˈmɔtʲɛrɪs]	women
mergina	[mʲɛrˈgʲɪnɐ]	girl	merginos	[mʲɛrˈgʲɪnɔs]	girls
knyga	[ˈknʲɪgɐ]	book	knygos	[ˈknʲɪgɔs]	books

Declension Class ė

In the ė declension class, the singular form of the noun usually ends in -ė. To form the plural, the -ė is replaced with -ės. Here are a few examples:

Lithuanian	Pronunciation	English
motina	[mɔˈtʲɪnɐ]	mother	moterys	[mɔˈtʲɪrɪs]	mothers
tėtė	[ˈtʲeːtʲeː]	father	tėvai	[ˈtʲeːʋɐɪ]	fathers
duktė	[ˈdʊktʲeː]	daughter	dukterys	[ˈdʊktʲɛrɪs]	daughters

Cultural Notes

In Lithuanian culture, the usage of singular and plural nouns follows the same general patterns as in other Indo-European languages. However, there are a few interesting cultural aspects to note.

One cultural aspect to be aware of is the importance of family in Lithuanian society. Family ties are highly valued, and it is common for families to gather for special occasions and celebrations. When referring to family members, it is important to use the correct singular or plural noun form to indicate the number of individuals being referred to.

Another cultural aspect to note is the influence of historical events on the Lithuanian language. Throughout history, Lithuania has been influenced by various neighboring countries and empires. These influences have shaped the language, including the formation of nouns and the usage of singular and plural forms. Exploring the historical context of the Lithuanian language can provide valuable insights into the cultural and linguistic nuances of singular and plural nouns.

Exercises

Now that you have learned how to form and use singular and plural nouns in Lithuanian, let's practice with some exercises. Choose the correct form of the noun to complete each sentence.

1. ______ (vyras/vyrai) kalba lietuviškai. [The man/men speak(s) Lithuanian.]

2. ______ (medis/medžiai) yra gražūs. [The tree/trees are beautiful.]

3. ______ (raštas/raštai) gali būti ilgas arba trumpas. [The letter/letters can be long or short.]

4. ______ (vėjas/vėjai) pučia šaltai. [The wind/winds blow(s) cold.]

5. ______ (šuo/šunys) myli žaisti. [The dog/dogs love to play.]

6. ______ (laivas/laivai) plaukia per jūrą. [The ship/ships sail(s) across the sea.]

7. ______ (brolis/broliai) padeda vienas kitam. [The brother/brothers help each other.]

8. ______ (žmogus/žmonės) gyvena įvairiose šalyse. [The person/people live in different countries.]

9. ______ (stebuklas/stebuklai) nutiko vakar. [The miracle/miracles happened yesterday.]

10. ______ (mergina/merginos) mėgsta skaityti knygas. [The girl/girls like to read books.]

Solutions

1. Vyrai kalba lietuviškai. 2. Medžiai yra gražūs. 3. Raštai gali būti ilgas arba trumpas. 4. Vėjai pučia šaltai. 5. Šunys myli žaisti. 6. Laivai plaukia per jūrą. 7. Broliai padeda vienas kitam. 8. Žmonės gyvena įvairiose šalyse. 9. Stebuklai nutiko vakar. 10. Merginos mėgsta skaityti knygas.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing the lesson on singular and plural nouns in Lithuanian! You have learned how to form and use singular and plural nouns, explored cultural aspects related to the topic, and practiced with exercises. By mastering the rules and patterns for forming plural nouns, you will be able to communicate more effectively in Lithuanian and expand your vocabulary. Keep practicing and exploring the rich world of the Lithuanian language. Good luck!

Table of Contents - Lithuanian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Lithuanian

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Declension
• Personal Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Dining Out

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing People and Things
• Comparatives and Superlatives

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Connecting Ideas

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Shopping and Services

• Shopping Vocabulary
• Banking and Postal Services

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Lithuanian Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Cuisine

Sources

• Lithuanian Plural
• Lithuanian declension - Wikipedia
• Lithuanian Plural | LEARN101.ORG

Other Lessons

• Questions
• Pronouns
• Conjugation
• Word Order
• Nominative and Accusative Cases
• How to Use Be
• Gendered Nouns
• Adjectives
• Give your Opinion