Grammar of Nepali - Singular and plural in Nepali

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Grammar of Nepali Language

Singular and plural in Nepali

The plural of nouns is done by adding the suffix "- haru" end of word. The adjectives do not mark the plural in the spoken language. On the other hand, in the written language, the adjectives change their endings "-a" to mark the plural character. Also note that in Nepal, the plural marker is omitted when:

· The plural nature of the word is clear (eg: when a number or words as "many, much, very")

· When the plural character refers to a generality (eg I love traveling in THE MOUNTAINS)

When the suffix « - haru » is affixed to a noun that can not be effective, it implies the idea of « and that sort of thing ». Thus the word "bhat - rice" may be called "bhatharu - rice and anything else to eat"

It is also possible to add the suffix « -haru » to proper names. In such a case, it implies the idea of "and his family." Ex: "ranjit - Ranjit" becomes "ranjitharu - Ranjit and all the other".

Regarding verbs, conjugation has endings evoking the plural nature of the action. For example, if the verb "chha" becomes "chhan" and « ho » becomes « hun ».

The plural mark ”-hāru” : the plural is formed by using the suffix « hāru ».

This way, « kitaab » (book – singular) becomes « kitaabhāru » - the books (plural). The plural mark is always placed between the work (also called substantive) and the postposition, if there is one. If we want to add the postposition « -maa » meaning « in, on » we will say « kitaabhāru-maa – in the books » . It should be added that the plural for non-human concepts (books, jobs, shops etc.) will be translated as singular in Nepalese if they express something general (e.g. I love books) or if they are preceded by a number or by a word which shows the plural of the substantive (e.g. I have three brothers)

a) raja king rajahāru kings

b) manche person manchehāru persons

c) kitaab book kitaabhāru books

d) pāsāl shop pāsālhāru shops

e) bhaïsi buffalo bhaïsihāru buffalos

f) jholaa suitcase jholaahāru suitcases

g) charaa bird charaahāru birds

h) des country deshāru countries

i) gau village gauhāru villages

j) shāhār city shāhārhāru cities

Also note that the words « yo » et « tyo » become « yi » et « tyi » in plural. Moreover, the adjectives never use the plural mark. Finally, the plural mark can be omitted if the name is accompanied by a number.

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