Plural and Singular — Nouns Must Show Number
Japanese nouns don't change for number; English nouns must
Category: Nouns
The Rule
English countable nouns must be explicitly singular (a cat) or plural (cats). Irregular plurals (children, mice, teeth) must be memorized. Uncountable nouns (information, furniture) have no plural.
Why This Matters
Japanese 猫 (neko) means 'cat' or 'cats' — context decides. English forces a choice: 'cat' (one) or 'cats' (many). Japanese speakers frequently use singular forms where plurals are needed, and try to pluralize uncountable nouns.
Examples
• I have two cats. — "猫を二匹飼っています。" [Number word + plural noun: two cats (not two cat)] • The children are playing. — "子供たちが遊んでいます。" [Irregular plural: child → children (not childs)] • I need some information. — "情報が必要です。" [Uncountable: no 's', no 'an' — just 'information']
Common Mistakes
❌ I have three dog. ✅ I have three dogs. → After numbers greater than one, countable nouns MUST be plural. ❌ I need some informations. ✅ I need some information. → 'Information' is uncountable in English. Use 'pieces of information' if you need to quantify.
Quick Tip
Memorize the common uncountable nouns: information, advice, furniture, luggage, news, homework, research. These NEVER take 's'.
Memorize the common uncountable nouns: information, advice, furniture, luggage, news, homework, research. These NEVER take 's'.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: I have three dog. → Correct: I have three dogs.. After numbers greater than one, countable nouns MUST be plural.
Incorrect: I need some informations. → Correct: I need some information.. 'Information' is uncountable in English. Use 'pieces of information' if you need to quantify.
Quiz
Which is correct?