[Q&A] why is 多い人 incorrect?

Today I am going to share the Q&A quoted from my JLPT N5 course!

 

[Question]

Sensei,
why is 多い人 incorrect?
I understand i-adjectives come before the noun (e.g. 大きい家 a big house).
Did I learn wrong?

*多(おお)い
人(ひと)
大(おお)きい
家(いえ)

 

[My Reply]

Normal i-adjectives can come before a noun, but not 多い.
多(おお)い many, a lot

That’s because 多い is used as an amount maker in some sentences.

This is just like 先生が一人います is correct and 一人先生がいます is incorrect.
一人(ひとり) ; a counter for people(amount maker)

Like an amount maker, if you add の it can be used with the noun.
◎多くの人
◎一人の先生

So, you should say,
・多くの人がいます。
・人がたくさんいます。
(this たくさん is used as an adverb)

Also, if a sentence containing 多い modifies a noun, 多い may come before that noun.

「ちこくが多い」人
=ちこくが多い人
People who are often late.

「しごとが多い」日
=しごとが多い日
A day with a lot of work

 

I hope my answer helps you.😊

 

 

In the JLPT course, you can ask me any questions as much as you want.
I will teach you until you get it!

 

———————————–

Need Support From a Professional Teacher?

The JLPT All-In-One course consists of 180 exclusive modules for each level. The levels are, N5, N4, N3, N2, N1 (N2 consists of 240 modules). You can prepare for the JLPT exam for 10 minutes a day as all JLPT subjects are broken down into daily lessons to maximize quality and quantity.

You will receive emails regarding what you need to study for the day, as well as words of support and guidance in the emails.

Submissions of your completed homework are from your PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Chika Sensei will give you personalized feedback, emboldening your knowledge of the language.

>>Click here to tour the course!