Nouns that are plural in English but singular in Spanish, and vice versa (collective nouns)

Singular where plural in English (collective nouns)

La familia de María está contenta.María's family are happy. [U.S: is happy]

La policía va a arrestar al ladrón.The police are going to arrest the thief.

El personal del hotel trabajó horas extra.The hotel staff worked extra hours.

La gente es muy simpática en este pueblo.People are very friendly in this town.

In English, what we call collective nouns (e.g. family, team, police, company ...) can be followed by either a singular or plural verb conjugation, depending on whether we consider the group as a single unit (singular), or as the individuals forming the group (plural). (Note that in the case of "family" only the singular verb conjugation is used in the U.S though.)

However, these collective nouns are always followed by the singular in Spanish. 

Plural where singular in English

Voy a ir de vacaciones a Cancún en agosto.I am going on holiday/vacation to Cancún in August.

Note that the word ''holiday/vacation'' (vacaciones) is always plural in Spanish. The adjectives or verbs following it are also in the plural form.

This would be incorrect:
"Mis vacaciones fue corta."

This is correct:
"Mis vacaciones fueron cortas."

Remember that the collective noun personnel is masculine: "el personal" and holidays is feminine: "las vacaciones".

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

La policía va a arrestar al ladrón.The police are going to arrest the thief.
El personal del hotel trabajó horas extra.The hotel staff worked extra hours.
La gente es muy simpática en este pueblo.People are very friendly in this town.
Voy a ir de vacaciones a Cancún en agosto.I am going on holiday/vacation to Cancún in August.
La familia de María está contenta.María's family are happy. [U.S: is happy]
Thinking...