Can you find words that change meaning when going from singular to plural, masculine to feminine?

Question

I have to give credit to Heidita and Issabela for this idea. In one of her challenges for the game “Odd one out” posted by Issabella, Heidita’s post included the word gafas.

I noticed the word gafas can have two different meanings depending on whether it is singular or plural.

• La Gafa can mean “hook"
• Las Gafas means “glasses"

I am sure this can’t be the only example so the challenge is to find Spanish words that change meaning between the singular and plural form.

Another variation is to find words that change meaning when used in its masculine versus feminine form, other than the obvious male versus female change.

Answer 1

I know there are words in English that are plural and that when you add an "s" to them it makes them singular which is contrary to the norm. One example is below.

Princes - More than one prince.

add an "s"

Princess - One princess.

Answer 2

• esposa - wife

• esposas - handcuffs

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• estudio - studies/work

• estudios - education

• Oh this one I have always disliked!! - 003487d6 Dec 12, 2009
• I think that it is equivalent to the English expression "ball and chain" - Izanoni1 Dec 12, 2009

Answer 3

la letra - letter/handwriting

las letras - the arts

Answer 4

the other variation: masculine to feminine (don't say male to female...that's sex; not gender)

el cometa=comet

la cometa=kite

• point taken, thanks - elcielo Dec 12, 2009

Answer 5

La liebre = rabbit, coward

Las liebres = racks or ribs (Nautical)