Plurals

The plural is mainly formed by adding the plural suffix  ها- that is normally joined to the noun. If the noun ends in the final ه (as in پنجره), the plural suffix is written non-joined.

With a few exceptions, this suffix can replace all other plural suffixes.

Plural suffixes always carry the stress. Unlike ها- the plural suffix ان- is only used in written language or in literary texts, mainly referring to living beings. If the noun ends in the final ه- the two vowels are bridged by the glide -گ-. The plural آقایان ('gentlemen') is an exception, being also used in spoken language, whereas for خانم ('lady' or 'Mrs.') only the form خانم ها is usual both in spoken and written language.


 * !خانمها و آقایان : Ladies and gentlemen!

Apart from this, in spoken language the plural forms with ان- only appear in set phrases and in more or less fixed terms such as پزشک کودکان (paediatrician).

The plural suffix ات- that has entered into Persian through Arabic loanwords is mainly used in Arabic words, both nouns and adjectives. Like ان-, it only appears in written language. In spoken language it is mearly used in set phrases or - especially in Persian words - in cases where a collective meaning is expressed:

Nouns following numbers or quantity words such as چند ('how many', 'some' or 'a few') are always used in the sigular.


 * دو ایرانی : Two Iranians
 * سه خانه : Three houses
 * چند پنجره؟ : How many windows?
 * چند خانه : Some houses