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ICU MessageFormat

ICU MessageFormat is a flexible yet powerful syntax to express all nuances of grammar for each language.

Overview​

Simple text​

Example: Refresh inbox

Variables​

Example: Attachment {name} saved

Plurals​

Using language specific plural forms (one, other):

{count, plural, one {Message} other {Messages}}

Using exact matches (=0):

{count, plural, =0 {No messages}
                one {# message}
                other {# messages}}

Offsetting plural form:

{count, plural, offset:1
                =0 {Nobody read this message}
                =1 {Only you read this message}
                one {You and # friend read this message}
                other {You and # friends read this message}

Select​

{gender, select, male {He replied to your message}
                 female {She replied to your message}
                 other {They replied to your message}}

Ordinals​

{count, selectOrdinal, one {#st message}
                       two {#nd message}
                       few {#rd message}
                       other {#th message}}

Further reading​