Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

Is pajamas plural or single?


Thanks

[Lorikeet]

It's plural. Like "glasses" or "pants" and can also use "a pair."

I bought a new pair of pajamas yesterday.

My other pajamas were very old.

[missdaredevil]

Why a *pair* of pajamas when it's an one-piece clothing?

Thanks

[Lorikeet]

[Brian Boyd]

note - and in England, it's spelled 'pyjamas'.

[advoca]

There is a resaom why we say a pair of pyjamas (or pajamas in the USA)

Pyjamas, or pajamas in the US, were oringinally loose trousers tied at the waist worn by Muslims in India and adopted by Europeans there, especially for nightwear. The word comes from Hindi pai jamahs.

When night attire in the form of trousers and a jacket spread to the West to replace the traditional nightgown, the name was retained. Because trousers were originally two separate garments, one for each leg, this is why we talk about a pair of trousers and for the same reason we say a pair of pyjamas (or pajamas).

[iitimone7]

...thanks for the awesome info! i was not aware of the origin of our night garments!! interesting conversation...iitimone7

[Hank898989]

i'TS IMPOSSIBLE!~
_________________
Taiwan is not a part of China!!

[Hank898989]

pajamas is singular or plural. Example, i have pajamas on.
All of my pajamas are being burned. Also, you can use pair or pairs before the word to specify sigular or plural. Pajamas iis indeed like glasses or pants, specifically like pants. They are used in the same way.
_________________
Taiwan is not a part of China!!