Plural Nouns in Yoruba: Using Àwọn

Yoruba nouns do not change form for the plural. The noun stays the same, and a separate word shows number.

The plural marker àwọn

Place àwọn before the noun:

Singular	Plural
ọmọ (child)	àwọn ọmọ (children)
ìwé (book)	àwọn ìwé (books)
ilé (house)	àwọn ilé (houses)
ẹyẹ (bird)	àwọn ẹyẹ (birds)

When it is optional

When context, a number or a quantity word already shows the plural, àwọn is not required:

• ọmọ mẹ́ta (three children)
• ọmọ púpọ̀ (many children)
• ìwé gbogbo (all books)

Examples in sentences

• Àwọn ọmọ ń ṣeré. The children are playing.
• Mo ní ìwé mẹ́rin. I have four books.
• Àwọn ọ̀rẹ́ mi wá. My friends came.

The plural of respect

When talking about a single respected person, Yoruba may use the plural pronoun:

• Wọ́n wà nílé. He or she (respected) is at home.

Words for quantity

• púpọ̀ (many, much)
• díẹ̀ (a few, a little)
• gbogbo (all)
• kọ̀ọ̀kan (each)

Reading tip

If you see a noun with no number, ask whether the context suggests one or many.

Simple to learn

Because nouns never change, you do not need to learn plural endings. Focus on the marker and quantity words.

Tips

1. Use àwọn for definite plurals.
2. Drop it with numbers.
3. Use the dictionary to check noun forms.

Look up any Yoruba word with English Yoruba Dictionary →