People and the suffix 们
们
How it works
们 forms plural personal pronouns such as 我们 and 你们. With a human noun such as 老师, it can refer to a group of people already understood in context.
It is not a general plural ending for every noun. A number already makes a group explicit, so say 三个学生 rather than adding 们 to that counted phrase.
The pattern
Example sentences
我们都是学生。
We are all students.
老师们都来了。
The teachers have all arrived.
Pinyin generally shows dictionary tones; tones can change in connected speech.
What to watch for
Do not add 们 to ordinary objects such as books. 三本书 already means “three books.”
Try it
Choose the natural counted phrase: 三个学生 / 三个学生们.
Show answer
三个学生。 Sān ge xuésheng. Three students.
Syllabus reference
The topic is listed in the official 2025 syllabus. The explanation, examples and practice on this page are written for SenMandarin.
SenMandarin · Updated 2026-10-22