两

• Pinyin: liǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 两 = originally a pictograph of a balanced scale — two equal parts, hence 'two'

Meaning

Two. Used before measure words instead of 二 when counting quantities.

The standard way to say 'two' when specifying quantities with a measure word (两个人 = two people, 两本书 = two books). Different from 二, which is used for ordinal numbers, phone numbers, and maths. This distinction is a key beginner concept.

Examples

1. 我有两个朋友。 I have two friends.
2. 他买了两本书。 He bought two books.
3. 两个人一起去吧。 Let's go together, the two of us.

Usage Guide

Context: numbers, quantities, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 两个小时。(Two hours.)
• 我要两杯咖啡。(I want two cups of coffee.)

Don't Say

• 二个人。(Before measure words, use 两 not 二 — say 两个人)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a balance scale with two equal pans, representing the concept of 'a pair' or 'two of something.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal