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Some words so common in everyday life, like "pencil" and "bus," confuse even the most educated. Discover 15 terms that don't have a plural and see if you too fall into these Portuguese language traps.
Portuguese is a language full of surprises—and one of the most treacherous when it comes to plurals. There are words that seem to require an "s" at the end, but which, according to normative grammar, they never vary. They are called invariables, and the curious thing is that most people use them in the plural without realizing it.
According to the website of Brazilian Academy of Letters and renowned grammarians like Evanildo Bechara, these words maintain the same form regardless of whether they are singular or plural. In other words, it is incorrect to say "os lápizées," "osvírus," or "os pires."
Below is a list of 15 classic examples of words that don't have a plural — and understand the reason behind each one.
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1. Pencil
One of the most common mistakes. Although it seems plural, “pencil” is invariable. So, it doesn't matter whether you say "one pencil" or "two pencils." The word comes from the Latin pencil, which means stone.
2. Bus
“The buses” is correct, but there are no “buses”. The word already ends with “s” and does not change in the plural.
3. Chest
The medical term used to designate the chest is invariable. There is no such thing as "thorax," only "chest."
4. Viruses
Another case identical to "bus." The plural is "viruses," and that's it. Never "viruses."
5.Atlas
When referring to map books, "atlas" remains the same in the plural. You can say "one atlas" or "several atlases."
Words that deceive by appearance
Some invariable words are confusing precisely because end with “s” or “x”, which gives the impression of a plural. Below, see other examples that often raise questions even among experienced speakers of the language.
6. Climax
There is no such thing as "climaxes." The correct plural is "os clímaxes."
7. Felix
A given name that also doesn't change. You can say "the Felixes" to refer to a family with this surname.
8. Saucer
Plate used under the cup. The correct term is "os pires" (saucers) — never "pireses" (saucers).
9. Phoenix
Even in the plural, it remains the same: “phoenixes rise from the ashes.”
10. Lotex
Material used in elastic clothing and objects. The plural form is also "os lotex."
Foreign and compound words: when the plural disappears
In addition to the native cases of Portuguese, there are also words borrowed from other languages or compounds that also do not have a plural.
11. Happy hour
Because it's a foreign expression, "happy hour" is invariable. You can have "one happy hour" or "several happy hours."
12.Copyright
A legal term in English meaning "copyright." It remains the same in any context: "copyright."
13. Free
From Latin free of charge (for free). Although it seems plural, does not vary: “free product” and “free products”.
14. Lotus
A sacred flower of Eastern origin. It doesn't matter whether you say "one lotus" or "several lotuses."
15. Hercules
Proper name, but also used as a noun. In the plural, it remains "os Hercules."
The importance of mastering these subtleties
Knowing that certain words do not have a plural may seem like a small detail, but it makes all the difference in formal writing and in public tenders. Furthermore, it demonstrates language proficiency and avoids embarrassment in professional situations.
According to linguistic experts, invariability is a direct inheritance from Latin and the incorporation of foreign terms into modern Portuguese. These exceptions enrich the language and reveal how it is constantly evolving.
And you, have you ever made any of these mistakes without realizing it?
Source: according to an article published by Brazilian Academy of Letters and grammatical compilations by Evanildo Bechara and Celso Cunha.
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