In Italian, every noun has a gender: it can be masculine or feminine.

Knowing these rules is really important because they change how we use articles, adjectives, and even verbs in sentences. Let's go over the basics!

Masculine Nouns

Most masculine nouns end with -o when they’re singular. Here are some examples:

• Il libro (the book)
• Il ragazzo (the boy)

When we make these nouns plural, we usually change the -o to -i:

• I libri (the books)
• I ragazzi (the boys)

Feminine Nouns

Feminine nouns often end with -a. For example:

• La casa (the house)
• La ragazza (the girl)

To make these nouns plural, we change the -a to -e:

• Le case (the houses)
• Le ragazze (the girls)

Exceptions and Irregular Nouns

Not all nouns fit these patterns. Here are a few exceptions:

• Some masculine nouns end in -e, like il pesce (the fish). To make the plural, we change -e to -i: i pesci (the fishes).
• Some feminine nouns also end in -e, like la notte (the night). The plural form is le notti (the nights).

Tips for Remembering

1. Look at the end of the word: Usually, if it ends with -o, it’s masculine. If it ends with -a, it’s feminine.
2. Practice using articles: Knowing that il is for masculine nouns and la is for feminine nouns can help you remember.
3. Watch out for exceptions: Pay attention to irregular nouns when you come across them.

By getting to know these rules and exceptions, you’ll feel more comfortable with Italian nouns. Happy learning!