両方

• Reading: りょうほう
• Romaji: ryouhou
• Kanji breakdown: 両 (ryō) — both, pair; 方 (hō/kata) — direction, side
• Pronunciation: /ɾjoː.hoː/

Meaning

Both; both sides; both parties. Refers to two things or people together.

A noun that refers to both items in a pair or both sides of a situation. Often used with the particles とも or の. 両方とも means 'both (of them)' with emphasis. Can modify nouns using の, as in 両方の手 (both hands). Common in everyday conversation when comparing or choosing between two options.

Examples

1. コーヒーと紅茶、両方好きです。 I like both coffee and tea.
2. 両方の答えが正しいと思います。 I think both answers are correct.
3. りんごとみかん、両方とも買いました。 I bought both apples and oranges.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, decision-making, daily conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 両 (ryō, both) and 方 (hō, direction/side). The kanji 両 originally depicted a pair of identical units, and 方 indicates direction or party.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal