Singular only; the plural form is ngop "plates (for eating). nuqDaq 'oH jengva''e' Where is the plate? KGT raSDaq jengva' vItatlh I return the plate to the table. (st.k 7/99) KGT 33f.: Another grammatical feature of Klingon about which children frequently become confused involves nouns that are inherently plural, such as cha (torpedoes) and ngop (plates [for eating]), as opposed to their singular counterparts peng (torpedo) and jengva' (plate). Instead of using the special plural forms, children tend forms plurals of these words by simply adding the plural suffix -mey to the singular forms (pengmey, jengva'mey), as would be done with most other nouns ... would be used), such as yuQmey (planets). Adults also add -mey to these nouns, but they do so to indicate that the items are scattered about (jengva'mey, plates scattered all over the place). For children who say jengva'mey, it apparently means simply "plates"; that is, it is nothing more than the plural form of jengva'. Children seem to be aware of the existence of the inherently plural forms, however, for they use them as well, though usually with the suffix -mey superfluously appended: chamey (torpedoeses), ngopmey (plateses). Inherently plural nouns are considered singular as far as how they fit into the overall grammatical structure. Thus, the singular pronoun 'oH (it) is used for both jengva' (plate) and ngop (plates) in sentences such as nuqDaq 'oH jengva''e'? ("Where is the plate?") and nuqDaq 'oH ngop'e'? ("Where are the plates?"). Children, however, tend to use the plural pronoun bIH (they) with ngop (as well as with jengva'mey and the redundantly suffixed ngopmey): nuqDaq bIH ngop'e'? ("Where are the plates?"). KGT 99: Each dish [nay'] is brought to the table (raS) on a platter ('elpI'), usually made of metal. The food is arranged not haphazardly but in a way that helps the food look appealing. For example, in some dishes, pieces are placed with the veins clearly visible so that the blood still inside them can be seen. A diner transfers a portion to his or her plate (jengva', though the plural form is ngop [plates]), if one is available, by simply grabbing the desired quantity of food with a hand. If the 'elpI' (serving platter) is not close by, it is quite acceptable to just reach across the table or to walk around the table to a more convenient position. If necessary, two hands may be used to break off (wItlh) a slab of the desired fare. If ngop (plates) are provided, they will probably be in a pile somewhere on the table. It is acceptable to reach over and grab one; it is not acceptable to ask someone else to grab a plate and pass it down. If there is no pile of plates, none will be furnished, and it is quite improper to ask for one. Related words: De' jengva' CD, compact disc (n) (TNK) "Data plate" - apparently jengva' can be used for disk/disc in general; if so: Similar words: gho circle (n) rutlh wheel (n) Qeb ring (for finger) (n)