In Korean, the plural particle “들” plays a pivotal role in indicating that a noun is plural, marking a difference from its singular form. Unlike English, where adding an “s” or “es” to a noun can pluralize most words, Korean uses “들” to achieve this grammatical function. However, its usage is more nuanced and not as broadly applied as in English. Understanding when and how to use “들” is essential for accurately conveying the number of subjects or objects in conversation and writing.
How to make plurals in Korean?
NOUN + 들
To make plurals in Korean, you need to attach the particle ‘들’ is to nouns to indicate plurality or multiple objects. It is equivalent to the English plural marker ‘s’ or ‘es’ in certain contexts. However, it is important to note that ‘들’ is not obligatory and is generally used when emphasizing or clarifying that there are more than one of a particular noun. For example:
- 사과 (sagwa) – Apple
- 사과들 (sagwadeul) – Apples
Here, ‘들’ emphasizes that there are multiple apples. In Korean, nouns without ‘들’ can also be interpreted as plural depending on the context, making the use of ‘들’ somewhat optional.
| Korean singular | Korean plural | English singular | English plural |
| 사람 | 사람들 | Person | People |
| 남자 | 남자들 | Man | Men |
| 여자 | 여자들 | Woman | Women |
| 오빠 | 오빠들 | Older brother | Older brothers |
| 학생 | 학생들 | Student | Students |
| 선생님 | 선생님들 | Teacher | Teachers |
| 가수 | 가수들 | Singer | Singers |
Please note that Korean language is based on context a lot and therefore sometimes, especially when speaking, the speaker can choose to omit the particle “들” if it is obvious that there is more than one apple. So it is really mainly used if you want to emphasize that there is more than one. And even then, it is really only used when referring to people or living things—it’s rarely used for objects.
Also, there is no irregularity here (unlike English) so you will be happy to know that to make plural in Korean is fairly straightforward.
Examples
오늘 사람 많아요. – There are a lot of people today.
In this case, even if you do not use the particle 들, it is quite clear from the sentence that you are referring to more than one person. Otherwise it wouldn’t make any sense.
지금 차가 너무 많아요. – There are a lot of cars now/There is a lot of traffic.
This sentence also refers to more than one car and it is perfectly clear from the sentence.
Like I have mentioned, Koreans do not really add the plural particle to objects but lets look at some examples.
오늘 사과 샀어요. – I bought apples today.
Saying 오늘 사과들 샀어요 does not sound very natural and again, its more likely that people buy more than one apple.
However, if you want to emphasize that you have bought only ONE apple, you can say.
오늘 사과 한 개 샀어요. – I bought one apple today.
Or, to emphasize you have bought more than one, you can say;
오늘 사과 몇 개 샀어요. – I bought some apples today.
Activity 1
Look at the following sentences and try to guess whether it might be just one or more the sentences are referring to.
- 검퓨터를 샀어요.
- 어제 그 여자 봤어요.
- 사과 주세요.
Answers
- 검퓨터를 샀어요. – I bought a computer.
In this case, I am pretty sure it will be just one computer unless you are in an IT department buying computers for the rest of the office staff. But, either way, you will know from the context of the conversation.
- 어제 그 여자 봤어요. – I saw that woman yesterday.
This sentence is also likely to refer to just one woman but it is more ambiguous than the last one. Since its a person we are referring to, in case the speaker feels the need to emphasize it was more than one woman, they can say 여자들.
- 사과 주세요. – Please give me apples.
It’s more likely for someone to buy more than one apple so I feel like in this sentence, it would be apples. Imagine you are at the supermarket and are asking for some apples. The other person is probably not sure how many you want so they can ask “몇 개 드릴까요?” How many would you like? Or, you could just say “사과 10 개 주세요” please give me 10 apples. This then reduces the confusion.