Adjectives usually add -t for ett words (neuter) and -a for plurals. But adjectives ending in -m or -n after a short vowel have special spelling rules to keep their pronunciation consistent.
Dropping the "n" for neuter words
When an adjective ends in a double -n (like noggrann, meticulous), it drops one "n" before adding the neuter -t ending to avoid a cluster of three consonants. The plural form adds -a, keeping the double "n".
| The tailor is very meticulous. | Skräddaren är mycket noggrann. |
| He sews a careful stitch in the fabric. | Han syr ett noggrant stygn i tyget. |
| The hem is sewn with small, careful stitches. | Fållen sys med små, noggranna stygn. |
The same rule applies to words like tunn (thin), which becomes tunt (ett words) and tunna (plural):
| He uses thin paper. | Han använder tunt papper. |
| The needles are very thin. | Nålarna är väldigt tunna. |
Doubling the "m" for plurals
For adjectives ending in a short vowel followed by a single -m, you double the "m" when adding the plural -a. This double consonant keeps the preceding vowel sound short. Watch how öm (sore) becomes ömma:
| The seamstress's finger is sore today. | Sömmerskan är öm i fingret idag. |
| Her hands are very sore. | Hennes händer är väldigt ömma. |
This doubling rule also applies to all adjectives ending in the suffix -sam, like följsam (supple) or varsam (careful). Their neuter forms just take a normal -t without doubling (följsamt, varsamt), but the plurals double the "m" (följsamma, varsamma).
| The linen is a very supple material. | Linnet är ett mycket följsamt material. |
| The seamstress chooses supple fabrics for the dress. | Sömmerskan väljer följsamma tyger till klänningen. |