Language/Slovak/Grammar/Plurals

Slovak Grammar - Plurals

Hi Slovak learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the plural form of Slovak nouns. We will cover the rules for forming plurals and some exceptions to these rules. Along the way, we will also explore some interesting cultural facts about Slovakia. Ready? Let's get started! 👍

Introduction

In Slovak, as in other languages, we use nouns to refer to people, places, things, and ideas. In most cases, nouns have both singular and plural forms. The singular form refers to one entity, while the plural form refers to more than one entity. For example:

• jeden stôl (one table) vs. dva stoly (two tables)
• jedna kniha (one book) vs. tri knihy (three books)
• jeden pes (one dog) vs. päť psov (five dogs)

In this lesson, we will focus on the plural form of Slovak nouns. We will see how to form plurals from singular nouns, and what are the most common exceptions to these rules. We will also use some interesting examples and cultural references to make the lesson more fun and memorable. 😎

Basic rules for forming plurals

In Slovak, most nouns form their plural by adding a suffix to the singular form. The suffix depends on the ending of the singular form. Here are the most common patterns:

• -y, -ia, -ie, -a, -e, -o: add -y (or -ia) and change the ending to -e. Example: stôl (table) -> stoly (tables); kancelária (office) -> kancelárie (offices); dievča (girl) -> dievčatá (girls); čiapka (hat) -> čiapky (hats); posteľ (bed) -> postele (beds); auto (car) -> autá (cars).
• -i: add -e. Example: oko (eye) -> oči (eyes); ucho (ear) -> uši (ears).
• -c, -č, -s, -š, -x, -z: add -e. Example: stolec (chair) -> stoličky (chairs); dub (oak) -> dubky (oaks); kos (basket) -> kose (baskets); vrah (killer) -> vraždy (killers); taxík (taxi) -> taxíky (taxis); nos (nose) -> nosy (noses).
• -n, -ň: add -e, sometimes also change the ending. Example: jablko (apple) -> jablká (apples); koruna (crown) -> koruny (crowns); chrbát (back) -> chrbty (backs); zub (tooth) -> zuby (teeth).
• -r: add -y (or -e); sometimes change the ending. Example: rodič (parent) -> rodičia (parents); hrad (castle) -> hrady (castles); dvera (door) -> dvere (doors); drahokam (gem) -> drahokamy (gems); muž (man) -> muži (men).
• Vowel + -j: remove -j and add -e. Example: otec (father) -> otcovia (fathers); mlieko (milk) -> mlieka (milks).

These rules cover most situations, but there are some frequent exceptions you should be aware of.

Exceptions and irregular formations

One of the most common exceptions to the rules above is the group of masculine nouns that end in a consonant. These nouns have a special pattern of forming the plural, which involves adding -i and sometimes also doubling the last consonant of the stem. Here are some examples:

• pes (dog) -> psy (dogs)
• stroj (machine) -> stroje (machines)
• zem (land) -> zeme (lands)
• dub (oak) -> duby (oaks)
• deň (day) -> dni (days)

Another common exception is the group of feminine nouns that end in a consonant. These nouns have two possible ways of forming the plural. One involves adding -y (or -ia) and changing the ending to -e, following the pattern of other nouns. The other involves adding -ov and sometimes also changing the stem of the word. Here are some examples:

• trieda (class) -> triedy / triedov (classes)
• chvíľa (moment) -> chvíle / chvíľ (moments)
• noc (night) -> noci / nôh (nights)
• duša (soul) -> duše / dúch (souls)

There are also some nouns that form the plural in an irregular way. These cases are very frequent and irregularities in plural formation are based more on usage than on any set of rules. Here are some examples:

• dieťa (child) -> deti (children)
• človek (person) -> ľudia (people)
• ruka (hand) -> ruky (hands)
• okno (window) -> okná (windows)
• sklo (glass) -> sklá (glasses)

As you can see, there is no single formula for forming the plural in Slovak. Each noun has its own pattern or patterns, which you need to learn and remember. 😅

Fun facts about Slovakia

Slovakia is a small country located in the heart of Europe. It has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse natural environment. Here are some interesting facts that you might find useful and entertaining:

• Slovakia is famous for its mountains and national parks. Some of the most popular mountain ranges include the High Tatras, the Low Tatras, and the Mala Fatra.
• Slovakia has a strong folk music and dance tradition. Traditional instruments include the fujara (kind of a long wooden flute), the cimbalom (a type of hammered dulcimer), and the violin.
• Slovakia is also famous for its castles and historical towns. Some of the most picturesque spots include the towns of Banska Stiavnica, Kremnica, and Bardejov, and the castles of Spis, Bojnice, and Trencin.
• Slovak cuisine is hearty and tasty. Some of the most popular dishes include bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), kapustnica (cabbage soup with sausages), and pirohy (dumplings with fillings). Slovak beer and wine are also worth trying!
• Slovak people are known for their hospitality and friendliness. If you visit Slovakia, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with locals and ask them for tips and recommendations!

Dialogue

To see the plural forms in context, here is a dialogue between two friends:

• Person 1: Mám tri nové knihy. (I have three new books.)
• Person 2: A ja päť. (And I have five.)

• Person 1: Kde sú tie nové autá? (Where are the new cars?)
• Person 2: Sú pred úradom. (They are in front of the office.)

• Person 1: Vidíš tie drahokamy? (Do you see those gems?)
• Person 2: Áno, je ich tu niekoľko. (Yes, there are several here.)

• Person 1: Tá trieda je veľmi ťažká. (This class is very hard.)
• Person 2: Mám rada triedy, ktoré sú náročné. (I like classes that are challenging.)

• Person 1: Máš vypitý ten kusok torty? (Did you finish that piece of cake?)
• Person 2: Nie, mám ešte trochu mlieka. (No, I still have a little milk.)

Sources

• Slovak language
• Slovakia
• Slovak cuisine
• Folk music of Slovakia