双

• Pinyin: shuāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 双 = simplified from 雙, which had 雔 (pair of birds) + 又 (hand), meaning a pair

Meaning

Pair; double; measure word for pairs. Used to count things that come in twos and to describe something as double or twin.

As a measure word, 双 counts things that naturally come in pairs: shoes, socks, hands, eyes, chopsticks. As an adjective, it means double, twin, or bilateral, as in 双人 (for two people) or 双方 (both sides). Contrasts with 单 (single).

Examples

1. 我想买一双运动鞋。 I want to buy a pair of sports shoes.
2. 她有一双明亮的大眼睛。 She has a pair of bright, big eyes.
3. 这个房间有一张双人床。 This room has a double bed.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, description, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请给我拿一双筷子。(Please give me a pair of chopsticks.)
• 双方都同意了这个方案。(Both sides agreed to this plan.)

Don't Say

• 一双裤子挂在那里。(Don't use 双 for trousers — use 条. 双 is for things with two matching parts like shoes or socks)

Origin & History

Simplified from 雙, which depicted two birds held in one hand. The original character clearly showed the concept of a pair.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal