Have you ever had doubts when you needed to make the plural of diminutives? If your answer is yes, don't be worried, this is a question that raises many questions among Portuguese speakers. If changing the noun degree can cause a headache, imagine changing the number of a noun that is in the diminutive!
So, to help you eliminate your doubts, the kids school prepared simple tips on how to make the plural of diminutives. Follow the explanation:
When the diminutives end in '-zinho' or '-zito': In this case, you must put the word primitive in the plural, add the diminutive suffix (-zinho or -zito) and pass the plural ending (-s) after the suffix. Note and see that the tip is very simple:
ring → rings → ring (s) + little + s = little rings
paper → papers → paper(s) + little paper + s = little papers
flower → flowers → flor (s) + zinha + s = florets
dog → dogs → dog(s) + little one + s = little puppies
bread → breads → bread (s) + buns + s = buns
animal → animals → animal(s) + little + s = little animals
pastry → pastels → pasted (s) + little + s = little pastries
blue → blue → blue (s) + little + s = little blue
heart → hearts → heart(s) + little one = little hearts
equal → equals → like (s) + little = like
If the word primitive is formed with just the ending -s, it must be placed after the suffix of the diminutive degree. Check it out:
hat (-s) + little = little hats
step (-s) + little = little steps
father (-s) + little = dads
hand (-s) + little = little hands
Understanding the rules for the formation of the plural of diminutives is more important than memorizing them. Remember this!
⇒ See? It's not even that hard! Whenever you are in doubt about the plural of diminutives, consult the Kids School to always get it right! Good studies!
By Luana Castro
Graduated in Letters
