两手

• Pinyin: liǎng shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 两 = 一 + 冂 + 从, two; 手 = pictograph of a hand

Meaning

Both hands; two-pronged approach. Literally two hands, or metaphorically a dual strategy.

Beyond literal meaning, used in idioms and political phrases: 两手抓 (grasp with both hands, pursue two goals simultaneously), 两手准备 (prepare two options/have a backup plan), 两手空空 (empty-handed). Common in policy discussions.

Examples

1. 发展经济和保护环境要两手抓，两手都要硬。 Economic development and environmental protection must be pursued simultaneously, and both must be firm.
2. 他去面试做了两手准备，万一这家不行还有别的选择。 He made two-handed preparations for the interview; if this company doesn't work out, he has other options.
3. 出门创业多年，最后两手空空地回来了。 After years of entrepreneurship away from home, he ultimately returned empty-handed.

Usage Guide

Context: strategy, planning, policy

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 做事要两手准备。(You should have a backup plan when doing things.)
• 两手抓，两手都要硬。(Grasp with both hands, and both must be firm.)

Don't Say

• 把两手和双手混用 (两手 in idioms emphasizes duality of approach; 双手 simply means 'both hands' physically)

Origin & History

Compound of 两 (two) + 手 (hand). Extended from literal 'both hands' to metaphorical dual strategies.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal