-x
Plural -x Ending
While most French nouns add -s for the plural, those ending in -eau or -eu add -x (e.g., un bateau → des bateaux).
How It Works
In French, the general rule for plurals is to add an -s. However, nouns and adjectives ending in -eau, -eu, -au, and the word vœu follow a different historical pattern:
- Words in -eau: These always take an -x.
Example: un bureau (a desk) → des bureaux (desks); beau (beautiful) → beaux. - Words in -au: Most of these take an -x.
Example: un tuyau (a pipe) → des tuyaux (pipes). - Words in -eu: Most of these take an -x.
Example: un jeu (a game) → des jeux (games). - The word vœu: This word also takes an -x.
Example: un vœu (a wish) → des vœux (wishes).
Pronunciation:
Just like the plural -s, the -x is silent at the end of a word. You will know the word is plural primarily by the article used before it (like les or des).
Liaison:
In formal speech, if the next word starts with a vowel, the -x can be pronounced like a [z]. This optional link is called liaison.
Example: des jeux amusants (can be pronounced [de ʒø zamyzɑ̃] formally, but the liaison is often dropped in everyday speech).
Exceptions:
A few words take a regular -s instead of an -x. The most important ones to know are the word bleu (blue, which takes an -s whether used as an adjective or a noun, like des bleus for bruises), the noun pneu (tire, des pneus), and the noun landau (pram/stroller, des landaus).
Examples (5)
- J'ai acheté deux nouveaux bureaux pour la maison.
I bought two new desks for the house.
Word by Word: I have bought two new desks for the house.
The noun 'bureau' ends in -eau, so it takes an -x in the plural.
- Les enfants jouent avec leurs petits bateaux.
The children are playing with their little boats.
Word by Word: The children play with their little boats.
'Bateau' ends in -eau and follows the -x plural rule.
- Il y a beaucoup de feux dans la forêt.
There are many fires in the forest.
Word by Word: It there has many of fires in the forest.
'Feu' ends in -eu and takes an -x to become plural.
- Mes neveux sont très sportifs.
My nephews are very athletic.
Word by Word: My nephews are very athletic.
'Neveu' (nephew) ends in -eu and takes an -x.
- Regarde les beaux oiseaux dans le jardin !
Look at the beautiful birds in the garden!
Word by Word: Look the beautiful birds in the garden!
Both the adjective 'beaux' and the noun 'oiseaux' end in -eau and take -x.
Common Mistakes
Using -s instead of -x for -eau nouns.
J'aime les gâteaus au chocolat.J'aime les gâteaux au chocolat.Nouns ending in -eau must take an -x. Writing 'gâteaus' is a common spelling error for learners.
Applying the -x rule to the exception 'pneu' (tire).
Il faut changer les pneux de la voiture.Il faut changer les pneus de la voiture.'Pneu' is one of the few exceptions ending in -eu that takes a regular -s.
Pronouncing the final -x.
des bateaux [debatoks]des bateaux [debato]The final -x is silent in French, just like the plural -s. Do not pronounce it unless there is a liaison with a following vowel.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the -x plural ending for -eau and -eu nouns, you first need to be familiar with the standard pluralization rule (adding -s) and how plural articles like 'les' and 'des' signal that a noun needs a plural form.
Related Patterns
- -al → -auxPlural -aux Ending
Another common plural pattern that uses -x, but involves changing the end of the word rather than just adding a letter.
Level 1 - lesDefinite Article Les (Plural)
The plural article 'les' is the main way to hear that a noun is plural in spoken French.
Level 1 - Linking a silent consonant to the next vowel
Explains how the silent -x can be pronounced as a [z] when followed by a vowel.
Level 1 - beau / nouveau / vieuxIrregular Feminine Forms
While beau and nouveau end in -eau and take an -x in the plural, vieux ends in -eux and remains unchanged.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice -x in Bubblegum
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