Mongolian plural suffixes are relatively rare as compared to the plural forms used in other languages. The reason behind behind this lies in the very nature of the Mongolian word itself. Much like Chinese, each word has a kind of built-in singularity/plurality and it is left to the context to assign a value either way. Therefore plural suffixes are usually used only in those cases where it would otherwise prove difficult to decide the intended number from the context alone. There are however a number of different plural suffixes which are employed rather indiscriminately.
This suffix is used on stems ending in vowels, and is usually reserved for nouns relating to family relations, respected occupations, and gods.
This suffix is used on stems ending in vowels. This is a rare suffix used only in the Secret History
This suffix is used on words ending in vowels and diphthongs, if it is applied to a word ending in -ai then it replaces the final ‘i’.
This suffix appears on many words but is generally used only on those words ending in -n where it replaces that final n. It is also used on two syllable words ending in -r and has a limited use on words ending in ‘l’ where it again replaces the final ‘l’. And finally every noun ending in -ci, -ghaci/-geci, and -ghci/-gci add a final d to form the plural.
This suffix appears on many words but is generally used only on those words ending in -n where it replaces that final n. It is also used on two syllable words ending in -r and has a limited use on words ending in ‘l’ where it again replaces the final ‘l’. And finally every noun ending in -ci, -ghaci/-geci, and -ghci/-gci add a final d to form the plural.
This is a general plural suffix that can be used on any word. Increasingly common in works from the 18th Century onwards.
This is a general plural suffix that can be used on any word. Increasingly common in works from the 18th Century onwards.
Added to words ending in a vowel and also those ending in ‘n’.
