Noun Plurals

In brief

Italian nouns usually change their ending to show that there is more than one. Unlike English, you generally do not add -s: one libro (book) becomes two libri (books).

Form

Most nouns ending in -o change to -i (libro → libri); those ending in -a change to -e (casa → case); those ending in -e change to -i (chiave → chiavi).

Usage

• Use the plural form when talking about two or more people or things.
• Check the singular ending before choosing the plural ending; some nouns have irregular plurals.

Examples

• Ho due libri. — I have two books.
• Vedo tre case. — I see three houses.
• Cerco due chiavi. — I’m looking for two keys.

Common mistake

❌ Ho due libro.

✅ Ho due libri.

After due, use the plural: libro changes its ending from -o to -i, rather than staying singular.

Remember

For these common endings, think -o → -i, -a → -e, and -e → -i.