Plural of Nouns in French

French noun plurals follow several rules with some important exceptions. Here's a clear breakdown:

General Rule: Add "-s"

Most nouns simply add -s to the singular form:

• un arbre → des arbres (tree → trees)
• une table → des tables (table → tables)

Special Cases

1. Nouns Ending in -s, -x, or -z

No change in plural:

• un fils → des fils (son → sons)
• une noix → des noix (nut → nuts)
• un nez → des nez (nose → noses)

2. Nouns Ending in -au, -eau, -eu

Add -x (instead of -s):

• un bateau → des bateaux (boat → boats)
• un cheveu → des cheveux (hair → hairs)
• un jeu → des jeux (game → games)

Exceptions (add -s):

• landau → landaus (baby carriage)
• bleu → des bleus (the color blue)
• pneu → pneus (tire)

3. Nouns Ending in -ou

Most add -s:

• un clou → des clous (nail → nails)

Exceptions (add -x):

• bijou → bijoux (jewel)
• caillou → cailloux (pebble)
• chou → choux (cabbage)
• genou → genoux (knee)
• hibou → hiboux (owl)
• joujou → joujoux (toy)
• pou → poux (louse)

4. Nouns Ending in -al

Most change to -aux:

• un journal → des journaux (newspaper)
• un cheval → des chevaux (horse)

Exceptions (add -s):

• bal → bals (dance)
• festival → festivals

5. Nouns Ending in -ail

Most add -s:

• un détail → des détails (detail)

Exceptions (change to -aux):

• travail → travaux (work)
• vitrail → vitraux (stained glass)

Tips for Mastery

• Use a dictionary for compound nouns/exceptions.
• Memorize common exceptions (like -oux and -aux endings).
• Practice regularly through reading/listening to internalize patterns.

Remember: While the general rule is simple, the exceptions require attention. Verify plurals using our Conjugation and Declension tool.