两 (liǎng) — two (used before measure words or nouns that indicate quantity); both (of two parties or sides)
Definition
Use 两 (liǎng) before a measure word (two of something). Don't say 二个人 — say 两个人. Before nouns like 年 or 点 you can also say 两, and it means 'both' when used with 都.
numeral
two (used before measure words or nouns that indicate quantity)both (of two parties or sides)
Examples
- 两。Wǒ yǒu liǎng gè píng guǒ.I have two apples.
- 。Wǒ men liǎng diǎn zǒu.We'll leave at two o'clock.
- 两。liǎng Gè rén dōu lái le.Both people have come.
Origin
Compound ideograph六书liùshū
会意huìyìTwo or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 兩; 两 is its simplified writing.
- 一一yī
- 㒳㒳㒳
The traditional form 兩 is described as combining 一 and 㒳. The simplified 两 is a later abbreviation.
Grammar
Appears in
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