Singular and plural nouns

In brief

In Brazilian Portuguese, a singular noun names one person or thing; a plural noun names more than one. Like English, Portuguese usually changes the noun itself: livro (book) becomes livros (books). Use the plural with numbers greater than one, such as dois livros (two books).

Form

Nouns ending in a vowel usually add -s: casa → casas. Nouns ending in -m change -m to -ns: homem → homens. Nouns ending in -r or -z usually add -es: flor → flores, vez → vezes.

Usage

• Use the singular for one item and the plural for two or more items.
• Check the noun’s ending before forming its plural; not every noun simply adds -s.
• Some endings, including -ão, have different plural patterns, so learn those plurals with the noun.

Examples

• Vejo duas casas. — I see two houses.
• Tenho dois livros. — I have two books.
• Vi dois homens. — I saw two men.
• Comprei três flores. — I bought three flowers.

Common mistake

❌ Tenho dois livro.

✅ Tenho dois livros.

With dois (two), livro must be plural: livros. The number does not replace the noun’s plural ending.

Remember

For most nouns ending in a vowel, add -s to make the plural.