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<div class="pg_page_title">Igbo Grammar - Plurals</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">Igbo Grammar - Plurals</div>
Hi Igbo learners!😊<br>Learning [https://polyglotclub.com/language/igbo Igbo] Grammar can be a challenging task, but it is also an incredibly rewarding one. With the right approach and dedication, you can master the language in no time. In this lesson, we will focus on Igbo plurals.  
 
Hi [https://polyglotclub.com/language/igbo Igbo] learners! 😊<br>
In this lesson, we will delve into the plural form in Igbo. Plurals are a crucial part of any language, and understanding how to form plurals in Igbo is essential to communicate effectively. We will go over the rules for singular and plural nouns, as well as exceptions to these rules. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to form plurals in Igbo with ease. Don't forget to practice and test your knowledge with our exercises at the end of this page!
 
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__TOC__


== What are Plurals? ==
Plurals are words that refer to more than one person, place, or thing. In Igbo, plurals are formed by adding certain suffixes to the end of the word. For example, the plural of the word "ụmụnna" (person) is "ụmụnnalụ" (people).


== Types of Plurals ==
<span link>Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be|How to Use "Be"]], [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Future-Tense|Future Tense]], [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]] & [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]].</span>
There are two types of plurals in Igbo: regular plurals and irregular plurals.  
== Singular and Plural in Igbo ==
In Igbo, nouns are categorized as either singular or plural.


=== Regular Plurals ===
In Igbo, most (but not all) singular nouns are referred to in the following way:
Regular plurals are formed by adding the suffix "-lụ" to the end of the word. For example, the plural of the word "ụmụnna" (person) is "ụmụnnalụ" (people).  
- As + consonant (+ R, if necessary) final: Igbo (language), abịa (arrival), anya (eye), ubi (road), igede (name).
- As + vowel (+R, if necessary) final: ego (money), ụlọ (house), isi (head), ubọchịchị (morning).
- As + N: ụnụ (life), anọ (land), ọnụ (mouth), unu (you, pl.).


=== Irregular Plurals ===
Plural is formed in Igbo by adding a suffix to singular nouns; however, we cannot say there is a "plural suffix" in Igbo, since the ending can change to vowels, consonants, heavy syllables or light syllables, and even merged with the root:
Irregular plurals are formed by changing the vowel in the word. For example, the plural of the word "ọkụ" (eye) is "ọkị" (eyes).


== Examples ==
{| class="wikitable"
Here are some examples of Igbo plurals:
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| Igbo || Ịgboo (this is a special word when saying "Igbo people")
|-
| ubọchịchị || ubọchịchịha, ubọchịchịjị, ubọchịjị, ubọchachago
|-
| isi || iye, isi-ejị, isi-osimiri, isi-awụsa
|-
| ụnụ || ụnụụ, ụnụma, ụnụgwụ, ụnụkpụrụkpụ
|}


* ụmụnnalụ (people)
As you can see in the examples, it is important to learn the plural of a noun as vocabulary, since the plural form can be totally different from the singular one. Here are some general rules to help form plurals:
* ọkị (eyes)
* ụwa (house) → ụwaa (houses)
* ndị (thing) → ndịọcha (things)
* ọhụrụ (thing) → ọhụrụa (things)


== Practice ==
- To form the majority of plurals, add - ụ or - aha to the singular:
To practice your Igbo plurals, try writing sentences using the words above. For example:  
Examples:


* Ndịọcha ndị ahụ bụ ụmụnnalụ. (These people are things.)
{| class="wikitable"
* Ụwa ndị ahụ bụ ụwaa. (These houses are houses.)
! Singular !! Plural
* Ọkị ndị ahụ bụ ọkị. (These eyes are eyes.)
|-
| egwú || egwụụ
|-
| ọnụ || ọnụma
|-
| ubi || ubịị
|}


To improve your [[Language/Igbo|Igbo]] [[Language/Igbo/Grammar|Grammar]], you can also use the [https://polyglotclub.com Polyglot Club] website. [https://polyglotclub.com/find-friends.php?search=send&d=0&f=36&offre1=2579 Find native speakers] and ask them any [https://polyglotclub.com/language/igbo/question questions]!
- If the noun ends with elongated vowels, then it does not take a suffix.  
Examples:


<hr>If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.<br>Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| ebé || ebé
|}


- Nouns with two or more syllables and belong to any of the 9 singular noun categories listed above take a suffix for pluralization.
Examples:


==Related Lessons==
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| anọ || ọnọ, ịnọ, ụnọ, ọnọmaka, anọmaka
|-
| ụlọ || ụlọọ, ụlwọ, ụlọike, ụlọfia, ụlọnobi
|-
| unu || unuụ, ununu, unuzara
|}
 
- Plural ending "-e": nouns ending in "-e" take "-rịrị" or "-rị" for the plural.
Examples:
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| egbè || egbèrịrị, egbèrị
|-
| menwu || menwurịrị, menwurị
|}
 
- Some Igbo nouns have unpredictable plural formations, and must be memorized as unique vocabulary words.
Examples:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| okpu || nkaekpuruokpu, ndụkpukokpu, okpuọma
|-
| egbe || isi egberi, ọnọ egbe
|}
 
- Some Igbo nouns never have a plural form.
Examples:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| mmanụ || - (uncountable noun)
|-
| ụra || - (uncountable noun)
|}
 
== Dialogue ==
Let's practice some of the nouns and their plurals in Igbo in a simple dialogue:
 
* Person 1: banyere m ụlọ-akụọ nke a, biko. (Show me that book, please.)
* Person 2: Ọ dị njo! ụlọ-akụọ ahụ a di ụlọakụọ gara ịsị. (Sure! This book is very thick.)
* Person 1: Kele-ọma. Ẹ nwere ụlọaka dị ọhụrụ? (Thank you. Do you have another book?)
* Person 2: Ee, nọ, hapụrụ ndị na-echi ogologo aka. (No, sorry, we only have these big ones.)
 
In this dialogue, we used the nouns "ụlọ-akụọ" (book) and "ụlọaka" (books) to illustrate singular and plural forms in Igbo.
 
== Exceptions ==
As with any language, there are always exceptions to rules. Igbo also has some exceptions when it comes to plural forms.
 
- Words of foreign origin: These can take English plural forms with an Igbo accent.
Example: Komputa (computer) can become komputa-na for plurality.
 
- Nouns ending in -ma or -ba: if the root word ends in -ma or -ba, the -ma or -ba is dropped, and then the plural suffix is added.
Examples:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| ọkụma || ọnụ 
|-
| ugba || ugu
|}
 
- Words ending in consonants or consonant clusters follow their own rules for the formation of plural forms.
Examples:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Singular !! Plural
|-
| mmiri || imiri, amiri, omiri, oriri, ụmịri
|-
| okwụ || ekwu, akwu, orukwu
|}
 
== Practice Exercise ==
Now that you have learned the Igbo plural forms, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises to help you improve your knowledge:
 
1. Translate the following English words to Igbo and provide their plural forms:
 
- Dog
- Woman
- Cat
- Table
 
2. Write five examples of Igbo nouns that do not take a plural form, and explain why.
 
3. Write a simple dialogue using singular and plural forms in Igbo.
 
Don't forget to check your answers and ask a native speaker for help if needed! To improve your Igbo grammar, you can also use the [https://polyglotclub.com Polyglot Club] website. [https://polyglotclub.com/find-friends.php?search=send&d=0&f=36&offre1=2579 Find native speakers] and ask them any [https://polyglotclub.com/language/igbo/question questions]!
 
<span class='maj'></span>
==Sources==
* [https://ezinaulo.com/igbo-lessons/grammar/nouns/ Nouns in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ]
* [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Igbo Igbo Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster]
 
{{#seo:
|title=Igbo Grammar - Plurals
|keywords=igbo language, igbo grammar, igbo plural forms, igbo nouns, igbo plurals
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about plural forms in Igbo, including the rules for forming plurals, exceptions to those rules, and practice exercises to improve your knowledge of Igbo plural forms.
}}
 
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Conditional-Mood|Conditional Mood]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Pronouns|Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be|How to Use Be]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Negation|Negation]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Negation|Negation]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Future-Tense|Future Tense]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Questions|Questions]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Questions|Questions]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Future-Tense|Future Tense]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Pronouns|Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/Conditional-Mood|Conditional Mood]]


{{Igbo-Page-Bottom}}
{{Igbo-Page-Bottom}}
<span links></span>

Latest revision as of 21:04, 27 March 2023

D8912FF2-7292-437A-8C2E-94BA6AB09A6B.png
Igbo Grammar - Plurals

Hi Igbo learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will delve into the plural form in Igbo. Plurals are a crucial part of any language, and understanding how to form plurals in Igbo is essential to communicate effectively. We will go over the rules for singular and plural nouns, as well as exceptions to these rules. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to form plurals in Igbo with ease. Don't forget to practice and test your knowledge with our exercises at the end of this page!


Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: How to Use "Be", Future Tense, How to Use Have & Give your Opinion.

Singular and Plural in Igbo[edit | edit source]

In Igbo, nouns are categorized as either singular or plural.

In Igbo, most (but not all) singular nouns are referred to in the following way: - As + consonant (+ R, if necessary) final: Igbo (language), abịa (arrival), anya (eye), ubi (road), igede (name). - As + vowel (+R, if necessary) final: ego (money), ụlọ (house), isi (head), ubọchịchị (morning). - As + N: ụnụ (life), anọ (land), ọnụ (mouth), unu (you, pl.).

Plural is formed in Igbo by adding a suffix to singular nouns; however, we cannot say there is a "plural suffix" in Igbo, since the ending can change to vowels, consonants, heavy syllables or light syllables, and even merged with the root:

Singular Plural
Igbo Ịgboo (this is a special word when saying "Igbo people")
ubọchịchị ubọchịchịha, ubọchịchịjị, ubọchịjị, ubọchachago
isi iye, isi-ejị, isi-osimiri, isi-awụsa
ụnụ ụnụụ, ụnụma, ụnụgwụ, ụnụkpụrụkpụ

As you can see in the examples, it is important to learn the plural of a noun as vocabulary, since the plural form can be totally different from the singular one. Here are some general rules to help form plurals:

- To form the majority of plurals, add - ụ or - aha to the singular: Examples:

Singular Plural
egwú egwụụ
ọnụ ọnụma
ubi ubịị

- If the noun ends with elongated vowels, then it does not take a suffix. Examples:

Singular Plural
ebé ebé

- Nouns with two or more syllables and belong to any of the 9 singular noun categories listed above take a suffix for pluralization. Examples:

Singular Plural
anọ ọnọ, ịnọ, ụnọ, ọnọmaka, anọmaka
ụlọ ụlọọ, ụlwọ, ụlọike, ụlọfia, ụlọnobi
unu unuụ, ununu, unuzara

- Plural ending "-e": nouns ending in "-e" take "-rịrị" or "-rị" for the plural. Examples:

Singular Plural
egbè egbèrịrị, egbèrị
menwu menwurịrị, menwurị

- Some Igbo nouns have unpredictable plural formations, and must be memorized as unique vocabulary words. Examples:

Singular Plural
okpu nkaekpuruokpu, ndụkpukokpu, okpuọma
egbe isi egberi, ọnọ egbe

- Some Igbo nouns never have a plural form. Examples:

Singular Plural
mmanụ - (uncountable noun)
ụra - (uncountable noun)

Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Let's practice some of the nouns and their plurals in Igbo in a simple dialogue:

  • Person 1: banyere m ụlọ-akụọ nke a, biko. (Show me that book, please.)
  • Person 2: Ọ dị njo! ụlọ-akụọ ahụ a di ụlọakụọ gara ịsị. (Sure! This book is very thick.)
  • Person 1: Kele-ọma. Ẹ nwere ụlọaka dị ọhụrụ? (Thank you. Do you have another book?)
  • Person 2: Ee, nọ, hapụrụ ndị na-echi ogologo aka. (No, sorry, we only have these big ones.)

In this dialogue, we used the nouns "ụlọ-akụọ" (book) and "ụlọaka" (books) to illustrate singular and plural forms in Igbo.

Exceptions[edit | edit source]

As with any language, there are always exceptions to rules. Igbo also has some exceptions when it comes to plural forms.

- Words of foreign origin: These can take English plural forms with an Igbo accent. Example: Komputa (computer) can become komputa-na for plurality.

- Nouns ending in -ma or -ba: if the root word ends in -ma or -ba, the -ma or -ba is dropped, and then the plural suffix is added. Examples:

Singular Plural
ọkụma ọnụ
ugba ugu

- Words ending in consonants or consonant clusters follow their own rules for the formation of plural forms. Examples:

Singular Plural
mmiri imiri, amiri, omiri, oriri, ụmịri
okwụ ekwu, akwu, orukwu

Practice Exercise[edit | edit source]

Now that you have learned the Igbo plural forms, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises to help you improve your knowledge:

1. Translate the following English words to Igbo and provide their plural forms:

- Dog - Woman - Cat - Table

2. Write five examples of Igbo nouns that do not take a plural form, and explain why.

3. Write a simple dialogue using singular and plural forms in Igbo.

Don't forget to check your answers and ask a native speaker for help if needed! To improve your Igbo grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Sources[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]