Language/Ukrainian/Grammar/Plural-Nouns

Ukrainian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Nouns and Gender → Plural Nouns

As a Ukrainian language teacher for over 20 years, I know that learning Ukrainian noun plurals can be a struggle. However, with a bit of practice and some interesting cultural facts, forming and using plural nouns will become second nature. Let's get started!

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Verbs Perfective and Imperfective Aspect & Cases.

Plural Nouns in Ukrainian

In Ukrainian, plural nouns are used to describe more than one person, animal, or thing. Unlike English, where only some nouns have different plural forms, all Ukrainian nouns have their own unique plural form.

There are two types of plural forms in Ukrainian: regular and irregular.

Regular Plural Nouns

To form most regular plural nouns in Ukrainian, you need to change the ending of the singular noun. Here are the basic rules for forming regular plural nouns:

• Masculine nouns that end in a consonant: add "и" at the end. For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
чоловік	cholo-veek	man
чоловіки	cholo-vee-ky	men

• Masculine nouns that end in "й": replace "й" with "ї" at the end. For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
син	seen	son
сини	see-ny	sons

• Feminine nouns that end in "а": replace "а" with "и" at the end. For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
мама	ma-ma	mom
мами	ma-my	moms

• Feminine nouns that end in "я": replace "я" with "і" at the end. For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
дочка	doch-ka	daughter
дочки	doch-ky	daughters

• Neuter nouns that end in "о" or "е": add "а" at the end. For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
вікно	veek-no	window
вікна	veek-na	windows

Irregular Plural Nouns

Unfortunately, not all Ukrainian plural nouns follow the regular rules. Many nouns have their own unique irregular plural forms. Here are some common examples:

• Nouns that end in "ість", "ізьм", "ень", and "онь": replace the ending with "ки". For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
кіт	keet	cat
киці	ky-tsi	cats
приклад	pree-klad	example
прикладки	pree-klad-ky	examples

• Nouns that end in "інь", "ень", and "онь": add "і" before the final consonant. For example:

Ukrainian	Pronunciation	English
лев	lev	lion
леви	le-vy	lions
колесо	ko-le-so	wheel
колеса	ko-le-sa	wheels

It's important to note that there are many other irregular plural noun forms. The best way to learn them is through practice and exposure to the language.

Using Plural Nouns in Sentences

Now that you know how to form plural nouns in Ukrainian, let's practice using them in sentences.

• Я бачив дві собаки в парку. (Ya bachyv dvi sobaky v parku.) - I saw two dogs in the park.
• Мої друзі грають у футбол. (Moyi druzi hrayut u futbol.) - My friends are playing soccer.
• Вчителька показала нам кольорові квіти. (Vchytelka pokazala nam kol'orovi kvity.) - The teacher showed us colorful flowers.
• Ми беремо дві колбаси з собою на пікнік. (My beremo dvi kolbasy z soboyu na piknik.) - We are taking two sausages with us for the picnic.

Notice that the use of plural nouns is essential in these sentences, and that the endings of the nouns change depending on whether they are singular or plural. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to form and use plural nouns with ease!

Conclusion

Learning how to form plural nouns in Ukrainian is an important step towards proficiency in the language. By understanding the regular and irregular plural noun forms and practicing their use in sentences, you'll be well on your way towards mastering Ukrainian grammar. As you continue your studies, don't forget to immerse yourself in Ukrainian culture - this will help you understand the language on a deeper level. Good luck and happy learning!

Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Adverbs & Verb to work.

Table of Contents - Ukrainian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

The Ukrainian Alphabet and Pronunciation

• The Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Nouns and Gender

• Nouns and Their Gender
• Plural Nouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Pronouns and Possessives

• Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Hobbies and Leisure

• Hobbies
• Leisure Activities

  ---

Ukrainian Traditions and Holidays

• Traditions
• Holidays

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Shopping and Services

• Shopping Vocabulary
• Services Vocabulary

  ---

Ukrainian Cuisine

• Traditional Dishes
• Eating Habits

Other Lessons

• Personal Pronouns
• Adverbs of time, place, intention and cause
• Prepositions
• Present Tense
• Feminine
• Verbs Reflexive and Imperative
• Present tense
• Present tense Irregular verbs
• The Alphabet
• Verb to like

Sources

• Множина іменників - Plural of nouns in Ukrainian - Ukrainian Lessons
• Ukrainian grammar - Wikipedia