How do you form the plural form of nouns in Hindi? Give examples.
In Hindi, forming the plural form of nouns involves modifying the noun's ending or, in some cases, the entire word. The pluralization process depends on the gender and ending of the noun. Let's explore the rules for forming plural nouns in Hindi along with examples:
1. Masculine Nouns:
a. Nouns ending in a short vowel ("-a") or "-i":
* Replace the final vowel ("-a" or "-i") with "-e":
+ दोस्त (dost, friend) becomes दोस्ते (doste, friends)
+ बेटा (beta, son) becomes बेटे (bete, sons)b. Nouns ending in a long vowel ("-ā") or "-ī":
* Add "-yā" at the end:
+ राजा (raja, king) becomes राजाया (rajāyā, kings)
+ छात्री (chhatri, umbrella) becomes छात्रीया (chhatriyā, umbrellas)c. Nouns ending in "-u" or "-ū":
* Replace the final vowel ("-u" or "-ū") with "-e":
+ बन्दूक (bandook, gun) becomes बन्दूकें (bandooken, guns)
+ गाय (gaay, cow) becomes गायें (gaayen, cows)
2. Feminine Nouns:
a. Nouns ending in "-ī" or "-ee":
* Add "-yā" at the end:
+ किताबी (kitaabī, book) becomes किताबियाँ (kitaabiyān, books)
+ लड़की (ladki, girl) becomes लड़कियाँ (ladkiyān, girls)b. Nouns ending in "-ā":
* Add "-e" at the end:
+ गाड़ी (gaadi, car) becomes गाड़ियाँ (gaadiyān, cars)
+ झपट्टी (jhapti, slap) becomes झपट्टियाँ (jhaptiyān, slaps)c. Nouns ending in "-ī" or "-iyā":
* Remove the final vowel ("-ī" or "-iyā") and add "-yā":
+ मोर्ची (morchī, key) becomes मोर्चियाँ (morchiyān, keys)
+ लड़की (ladki, girl) becomes लड़कियाँ (ladkiyān, girls)
3. Neuter Nouns:
Neuter nouns generally do not change in the plural form. They remain the same as their singular forms:
* देश (desh, country) remains देश (desh, countries)
* सपना (sapna, dream) remains सपना (sapna, dreams)
It's important to note that there are exceptions and irregularities in plural formation in Hindi. Additionally, some nouns may have different plural forms based on regional variations or dialects. Learning the plural forms of nouns in Hindi requires practice and familiarity with the patterns and exceptions that exist.