Categories of Finnish Plurale Tantum Words
“Plurale tantum” words are words that are always plural, despite their meaning being singular. In this article, you can find the largest categories of Finnish plurale tantum words, organized by their meaning. This article is part of a series all about Finnish plurale tantum words.
Please note that this is not an exhausive list. The categories of Finnish plurale tantum words below can be expanded on. For each group, I have taken the words that, to me, are the most common or interesting. This means that you will be able to find more words for each category.
If you want to find more words, I recommend searching Kielitoimiston sanakirja for *t. The asterisk is used to express that any letter can go, with the last letter of the word being the t. Please note that doing this will give you all the words that end in a -t, which means you’ll also get nouns and participles.
- Two groups of meanings
- Clothes: e.g. pants, coveralls, glasses
- Bodyparts: e.g. dentures, innards, genitalia
- Gatherings: e.g. parties, events, ceremonies
- Tools and equipment: e.g. scissors, tweezers, stairs
- Countries and areas: e.g. Netherlands, Maldives, Shetland Islands
- Organizations and teams: e.g. Helsingin Sanomat, Leijonat
- Information: e.g. news, statistics, records
- People: e.g. troops, reinforcements, neighbors
- Foods: e.g. leftovers, booze, flakes
- Words and letters: e.g. initials, notes, credits
- Financial terms: e.g. expenses, resources, costs
1. Two groups of meanings
In addition to the categories of Finnish plurale tantum words per theme, we can also divide them into two main groups. Plural tantum words refer to either mirrored elements or are a collection of certain things.
MIRRORED PAIRS
There are quite a few things that are or seem symmetrical. They consist of a mirrored pair of something. Think for example of the two sides of your glasses or the way scissors consist of two blades. This is a common occurrence for plurale tantum words.
COLLECTIVE TERMS
Finnish plurale tantum words can also refer to a collection of similar things into one: stairs are a collection of steps, the alphabet is a collection of letters and statistics are a collection of information.
2. Clothing
Clothing words are often plural. This is often due to them either consisting of two of the same (kengät “shoes”, sukat “socks”, lapaset “mittens”). Those clothing words, however, aren’t plurale tantum words because they can just as well be used in the singular (yksi kenkä, yksi sukka, yksi lapanen).
However, words like housut “pants” are plurale tantum words. They refer to a whole which consists of mirroring parts: housut “pants” have two identical legs, rintaliivit “bras” can be divided into two parts, silmälasit “glasses” are also symmetrical. Find more examples here!
| Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| housut | pants, trousers | mirrored pair |
| farkut | jeans | mirrored pair |
| leggingsit | leggings | mirrored pair |
| rintaliivit | bra | mirrored pair |
| henkselit | suspenders, braces | mirrored pair |
| työhaalarit | coveralls | mirrored pair |
| silmälasit | (eye)glasses | mirrored pair |
3. Bodyparts
Just like clothes, bodyparts are also often plural, usually because you have two of them (e.g. korvat “ears”, silmät “eyes”, jalat “legs”). However, some bodyparts are plurale tantum words: they form a whole which consists of things.
| Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| aivot | brain | mirrored pair |
| kasvot | face | collection of features |
| viikset | mustache | collection of hairs |
| tekohampaat | dentures | collection of teeth |
| kulmakarvat | eyebrows | collection of hairs |
| hiukset | hair | collection of hairs |
| sisuskalut | innards | collection of organs |
| sukuelimet | genitals | collection of organs |
4. Gatherings
Events, gatherings, parties and ceremonies could be considered a collection of traditions. You might also see them as a collection of people celebrating. Many of these events will always be plural. You can find a more complete list here.
| Finnish | English |
|---|---|
| ristiäiset | christening, baptism |
| bileet | dance party |
| polttarit | bachelor/bachelorette party |
| olympialaiset | the Olympics |
| läksiäiset | farewell party |
| lastenkutsut | playdate |
| häät | wedding |
| syntymäpäivät | birthday party |
| hautajaiset | funeral |
5. Tools and Equipment
There are a lot of tools that consist of two parts to grab, twist or pull something: for example, scissors, tweezers and pliers. Additionally, there are collective nouns like a ladder (a collection of rungs) and a harness (a collection of straps).
Below, I have marked the words that solely appear in the plural with #1. The words marked with #2 are also plurale tantum words, but their singular is used in a slightly different meaning. This is for example the case of portaat “stairs”. The singular porras also exists, but it means a single step. They’re used in different situations.
| # | Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | pinsetit | tweezers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | atulat | tweezers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | pihdit | pliers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | grillipihdit | barbeque pliers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | yleispihdit | universal pliers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | lankapihdit | wire pliers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | putkipihdit | pipe wrench | mirrored parts |
| 1 | tongit | tongs | mirrored parts |
| 1 | sivuleikkurit | wire strippers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | sakset | scissors | mirrored parts |
| 1 | puutarhasakset | gardening shears | mirrored parts |
| 1 | kynsisakset | nail scissors | mirrored parts |
| 1 | keittiösakset | kitchen scissors | mirrored parts |
| 1 | oksasakset | pruning scissors | mirrored parts |
| 1 | pensassakset | hedge trimmers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | jountosakset | skidders | mirrored parts |
| 1 | hohtimet | pincers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | keritsimet | shears (lambs) | mirrored parts |
| 1 | ohjakset | reins (horse) | mirrored parts |
| 1 | ohjasperät | reins (horse) | mirrored parts |
| 1 | kuolaimet | bit (horse) | mirrored parts |
| 1 | päitset | headstall (horse) | collection of straps |
| 1 | suitset | bridle (horse) | collection of straps |
| 1 | valjaat | harness | collection of straps |
| 1 | turvavaljaat | safety harness | collection of straps |
| 1 | urut | organ (church) | collection of pipes |
| 2 | (saunan) lauteet | sauna bench(es) | collection of benches |
| 1 | paarit | stretcher | mirrored parts |
| 1 | kantopaarit | barrow | mirrored parts |
| 1 | ruumispaarit | bier | mirrored parts |
| 1 | nojapuut | parallel bars (sports) | mirrored parts |
| 1 | kangaspuut | loom (for weaving) | collection of parts |
| 1 | kerinlaudat | wooden threading tool | collection of parts |
| 1 | kerinpuut | wooden threading tool | collection of parts |
| 2 | astiat | dishes, washing-up | collection of dishes |
| 2 | ruokailuvälineet | cutlery | collection of forks etc |
| 1 | aterimet | cutlery | collection of forks etc |
| 2 | salaattiottimet | salad servers | mirrored parts |
| 1 | salaattipihdit | salad tongs | mirrored parts |
| 1 | tulukset | flint, steel, and tinder | collection of tools |
| 2 | kehykset | frame | mirrored parts |
| 2 | verhot | curtains | mirrored parts |
| 1 | stereot | stereo | mirrored parts |
| 2 | kuulokkeet | headset, headphones | mirrored parts |
| 1 | kahleet | shackles, chains | mirrored parts |
| 1 | jalkaraudat | leg irons | mirrored parts |
| 1 | käsiraudat | handcuffs | mirrored parts |
| 1 | rautakalterit | iron bars | collection of bars |
| 1 | pitkospuut | causeway in swamp | collection of boards |
| 1 | tikapuut | ladder | mirrored parts |
| 1 | tikkaat | ladder | mirrored parts |
| 1 | konetikkaat | aerial ladder | collection of rungs |
| 1 | lapetikkaat | roof ladder | collection of rungs |
| 1 | palotikkaat | fire ladder | collection of rungs |
| 1 | tikarappuset | ladder | collection of rungs |
| 2 | rappuset | stairs | collection of steps |
| 2 | portaat | stairs | collection of steps |
| 1 | köysitikkaat | rope ladder | collection of steps |
| 1 | laituritikkaat | dock ladder | collection of steps |
| 1 | laituriportaat | dock ladder | collection of steps |
| 1 | kierreportaat | spiral staircase | collection of steps |
| 1 | laskuportaat | gangplank (boat) | collection of steps |
| 1 | liukuportaat | escalator | collection of steps |
| 1 | rullaportaat | escalator | collection of steps |
| 1 | lastenrattaat | pushchair, stroller | mirrored parts |
| 1 | lastenvaunut | pram, baby carriage | mirrored parts |
| 2 | kottikärryt | wheelbarrow | mirrored parts |
| 1 | ostoskärryt | shopping cart | mirrored parts |
| 1 | hevoskärryt | horse and carriage | mirrored parts |
| 2 | tarvikkeet | gear | collection of things |
| 2 | vehkeet | equipment | collection of things |
| 2 | varusteet | equipment, gear | collection of things |
| 2 | kalusteet | furniture | collection of things |
| 2 | ainekset | ingredients | collection of things |
6. Countries and Areas
Some geographical areas will appear in the plural. This is usually done in accordance with the name of the place in the local language. It’s especially common for mountains and islands. I’ve included groups of stars in this table as well.
| Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Alankomaat | Netherlands | collection of lands |
| Alpit | Alps | collection of mountains |
| Antillit | Antilles | collection of islands |
| Arabiemiirikunnat | United Arab Emirates | collection of emirates |
| Emiraatit | The Emirates | collection of emirates |
| Azorit | The Azores | collection of islands |
| Britteinsaaret | The British Isles | collection of islands |
| Falklandinsaaret | Falkland Islands | collection of islands |
| Filippiinit | Philippine Islands | collection of islands |
| Färsaaret | Faeroes | collection of islands |
| Kalliovuoret | Rocky Mountains | collection of mountains |
| Kanariansaaret | Canary Islands | collection of islands |
| Komorit | Comoros | collection of islands |
| Malediivit | Maldives | collection of islands |
| Molukit | The Moluccas | collection of islands |
| Pohjoismaat | Nordic countries | collection of countries |
| Pyreneet | Pyrenees | collection of mountains |
| Salomonsaaret | Solomon Islands | collection of islands |
| Seurasaaret | Society Islands | collection of islands |
| Shetlannin saaret | Shetland Islands | collection of islands |
| Yhdysvallat | United States | collection of states |
| Niagarat putoukset | Niagara Falls | collection of waterfalls |
| Seulaset | The Pleiades | collection of stars |
| Kaksoset | Gemini | collection of stars |
| Kalat | Pisces | collection of stars |
7. Organizations and Teams
The names of some organizations and teams will also be plural.
| Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Helsingin Sanomat | Helsinki’s newspaper | collection of people/news |
| Savon Sanomat | Kuopio’s newspaper | collection of people/news |
| Huuhkajat | Finland’s soccer team | collection of players |
| Leijonat | Finland’s ice hockey team | collection of players |
| Oulun Kärpät | Oulu’s ice hockey team | collection of players |
| Helsingin Jokerit | Helsinki’s ice hockey team | collection of players |
| Vihreät | Green League (politics) | collection of politicians |
8. Information
By information, I mean any type of data, records, statitstics and other information.
In the table below, words marked with #1 exclusively appear in the plural. You will generally find these in the dictionary in their plural form. Words marked with #2 are words that do exist in their singular form, but are mainly used in the plural. They refer to pieces of information that can appear singularly, but which is more commonly found as a collection.
| # | Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | henkilötiedot | personal information | collection of info |
| 1 | yhteystiedot | contact information | collection of info |
| 1 | perustiedot | basic information | collection of info |
| 1 | ensitiedot | preliminary data | collection of info |
| 1 | pohjatiedot | underlying information | collection of info |
| 1 | palkkatiedot | payroll data | collection of info |
| 1 | luottotiedot | credit information | collection of info |
| 1 | säätiedot | weather data | collection of info |
| 1 | tunnistetiedot | identification details | collection of info |
| 2 | taustatiedot | background information | collection of info |
| 2 | potilastiedot | medical records | collection of info |
| 2 | terveystiedot | health information | collection of info |
| 2 | tilastotiedot | statistical information | collection of info |
| 2 | tilastot | statistics | collection of info |
| 2 | lähdetiedot | source information | collection of info |
| 2 | tulokset | score; outcome; findings | collection of results |
| 2 | hakutulokset | search results | collection of results |
| 2 | tutkimustulokset | research findings | collection of results |
| 2 | kilpailutulokset | competition score | collection of results |
| 2 | koetulokset | test results | collection of results |
| 2 | uutiset | news | collection of news |
| 2 | televisiouutiset | TV news | collection of news |
| 2 | radiouutiset | radio news | collection of news |
| 2 | urheilu-uutiset | collection of | collection of news |
| 2 | ulkomaanuutiset | foreign news | collection of news |
| 1 | alkeet | rudiments | collection of knowledge |
| 1 | perusteet | basics | collection of knowledge |
| 2 | opinnot | studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | kouluopinnot | school studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | perusopinnot | basic studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | korkeakouluopinnot | university studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | maisteriopinnot | master degree studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | jatko-opinnot | postgraduate studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | erikoistumisopinnot | specialization | collection of courses |
| 1 | musiikkiopinnot | music studies | collection of courses |
| 1 | kuulumiset | news (e.g. from friends) | collection of info |
| 2 | perinteet | tradition | collection of traditions |
9. People
The following tables contains collective terms for people. The words listed first (which all end in -kset) mean a pair (or more) of people who have the same relationship with each other (e.g. sisters amongst themselves). As such, Veljekset rupattelevat means “The brothers are chatting amongst themselves”. These never appear in the singular.
The words near the end of the list are all related to army troops. I’ve refrained from listing all of them. Search Kielitoimiston sanakirja for *joukot to find more.
| # | Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | kaverukset | pals, friends | collection of people |
| 1 | ystävykset | friends | collection of people |
| 1 | toverukset | companions, friends | collection of people |
| 1 | työtoverukset | colleagues | collection of people |
| 1 | opiskelutoverukset | study buddies | collection of people |
| 1 | tuttavukset | acquaintances | collection of people |
| 1 | naapurukset | neighbors | collection of people |
| 1 | rajanaapurukset | neighbors | collection of people |
| 1 | kumppanukset | companions, buddies | collection of people |
| 1 | riitakumppanukset | sides of a dispute | collection of people |
| 1 | siskokset | sisters | collection of people |
| 1 | sisarekset | sisters | collection of people |
| 1 | veljekset | brothers | collection of people |
| 1 | kaksoset | twins | collection of people |
| 1 | kolmoset | triplets | collection of people |
| 1 | serkukset | cousins | collection of people |
| 1 | pikkuserkukset | second cousins | collection of people |
| 1 | langokset | brothers-in-law | collection of people |
| 1 | kälykset | sisters-in-law | collection of people |
| 1 | anopikset | mothers-in-law | collection of people |
| 1 | kaimakset | namesakes (same name) | collection of people |
| 1 | esivanhemmat | forefathers | collection of people |
| 1 | asevoimat | armed forces | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | maavoimat | ground forces | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | merivoimat | navy | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | ilmavoimat | air force | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | paikallisjoukot | local troops | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | rajajoukot | border troops | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | rauhanturvajoukot | peacekeeping forces | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | taistelujoukot | combat forces | collection of soldiers |
| 1 | sissijoukot | guerrilla forces | collection of soldiers |
| 2 | vahvistukset | reinforcements | collection of soldiers |
10. Foods
Certain foods rarely come as one. You could separate one, but it would be tiny and not really good for anything (what would you do with one flake of oatmeal?).
| # | Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | murot | cereal | collection of flakes |
| 1 | ranskanperunat | french fries | collection of fries |
| 1 | röstiperunat | grated and fried potatoes | collection of grated |
| 1 | valkosipuliperunat | garlic potatoes | collection of slices |
| 2 | kaurahiutaleet | oatmeal flakes | collection of flakes |
| 1 | pikahiutaleet | fast oatmeal flakes | collection of flakes |
| 1 | sipulihiutaleet | onion flakes | collection of flakes |
| 1 | sekahedelmät | mixed dried fruit | collection of pieces |
| 1 | sekavihannekset | mixed vegetables | collection of pieces |
| 1 | viinakset | booze | alcohol collectively |
| 1 | kalanperkeet | fish guts | collection of fish guts |
| 1 | kahvinporot | coffee grounds | collection of grounds |
| 2 | tähteet | leftovers | remainder of meal |
| 1 | jämät | remains of food | remainder of meal |
| 2 | jätteet | garbage, waste | remainder of meal |
| 1 | rääppeet | leftovers, scraps | remainder of meal |
11. Words and Letters
Words and letters can be part of a bigger whole. For example, letters belong to the alphabet, which makes aakkoset “the alphabet” a collection of letters, which is consequently a plural word. Likewise, the epilogue of a book is a collection of words that form a whole: loppusanat. It makes sense in Finnish!
| Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| aakkoset | alphabet | collection of letters |
| morseaakkoset | morse code | collection of signals |
| sokeainaakkoset | braille | collection of letters |
| nimikirjaimet | initials | collection of letters |
| syntysanat | founding words | collection of words |
| loppusanat | epilogue | collection of words |
| päätössanat | closing, concluding words | collection of words |
| saatesanat | preamble, foreword | collection of words |
| muistosanat | memorial words | collection of words |
| muistiinpanot | notes | collection of words |
| terveiset | greetings, regards | collection of words |
| terkut | greetings, regards | collection of words |
| tervehdyssanat | welcoming speech | collection of words |
| lopputekstit | credits (movie) | collection of names |
| henkilöpaperit | ID | collection of info |
| henkkarit | ID | collection of info |
12. Financial Terms
Money often comes (and goes) in larger quantities. The table below includes the collective names of all types of money flowing in and out.
Marked with #1 are words that can’t ever be used in the singular. Words marked with #2 do have a singular form, but it has a different meaning that the whole.
| # | Finnish | English | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | myötäjäiset | dowry | collection of valuables |
| 1 | morsiuslunnaat | dowry | collection of valuables |
| 1 | lunnaat | ransom | collection of money |
| 2 | resurssit | recources | collection of resources |
| 2 | kulut | expenses, expenditures | collection of expenses |
| 2 | menot | expenses, expenditures | collection of expenses |
| 2 | tulot | income, revenue, proceeds | collection of income |
| 2 | kustannukset | expenses, costs | collection of expenses |
| 2 | varat | resources, funds, assets | collection of funds |
| 1 | toimituskulut | delivery costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | hankintakulut | acquisition costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | hankintakustannukset | acquisition costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | kunnossapitokulut | maintenance costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | oikeudenkäyntikulut | leagal expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | lisäkulut | additional costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | ruokakulut | food expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | postikulut | postage, postal charges | collection of expenses |
| 1 | sairauskulut | medical expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | sairauskustannukset | medical expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | lämmityskulut | heating costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | lämmityskustannukset | heating costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | ruokamenot | food expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | talousmenot | household expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | kokonaismenot | total expenditure | collection of expenses |
| 1 | lääkekustannukset | pharmaceutical expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | asumiskustannukset | cost of housing | collection of expenses |
| 1 | elinkustannukset | cost of living | collection of expenses |
| 1 | velkamenot | debt expenses | collection of expenses |
| 1 | palkkamenot | labor costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | kuljetuskustannukset | transportation costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | varastointikustannukset | storage costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | pakkauskustannukset | packaging costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | pakkauskulut | packing costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | rakennuskustannukset | construction costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | rahtikulut | freight costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | kokonaiskustannukset | total costs, overall costs | collection of expenses |
| 1 | muonavarat | provisions, food supplies | collection of resources |
| 2 | säästöt | savings | collection of resources |
| 2 | voimavarat | resources | collection of resources |
| 1 | ravinnevarat | nutrient reserves | collection of resources |
| 1 | vesivarat | water reserves | collection of resources |
| 1 | vesivoimavarat | water power resources | collection of resources |
| 1 | öljyvarat | oil reserves | collection of resources |
| 1 | lainavarat | borrowed funds | collection of funds |
| 1 | sotilasmenot | military expenditure | collection of expenses |
| 1 | sosiaalimenot | welfare expenditure | collection of expenses |
| 1 | verovarat | tax revenue | collection of funds |
| 1 | rahavarat | monetary resources | collection of funds |
| 1 | veikkausvoittovarat | national betting profit | collection of funds |
| 1 | lahjoitusvarat | donated funds | collection of funds |
| 1 | lahjavarat | gift funds, donation funds | collection of funds |
| 2 | talousvaikeudet | economic problems | collection of problems |
| 1 | verotulot | tax revenue | collection of income |
| 1 | myyntitulot | sale proceeds | collection of income |
| 1 | vuokratulot | rental income | collection of income |
| 1 | käteisvarat | cash assets (investing) | collection of funds |
| 1 | käyttövarat | liquid assets (investing) | collection of funds |
| 1 | voittovarat | winnings (investing) | collection of funds |
| 1 | maailmanmarkkinat | global market | collection of supply and demand |
| 1 | valuuttamarkkinat | foreign exchange market | collection of supply and demand |
| 1 | vientimarkkinat | export market | collection of supply and demand |
| 1 | työmarkkinat | labor market | collection of supply and demand |
| 1 | osakemarkkinat | stock market | collection of supply and demand |
There you have the most prominent categories of Finnish plurale tantum words! You can learn more about how to use them in the article about the syntax of plurale tantum words.
