Definition
俩 (liǎ) is a colloquial quantifier meaning 'two' that already includes the measure word 个, so you never add another measure word after it. Use it informally for people or objects: 俩苹果 'two apples'. After pronouns like 我们, 你们, 他们, 俩 means 'both/two of us/you/them'. In contrast, 两 (liǎng) is a numeral that must be followed by a measure word (两个人 'two people').
quantifier
two (colloquial, equivalent to 两个)both (used after a pronoun for two people)
Easily confused
- 辆liànglook-alike(classifier) used for vehicles
- 两liǎnglook-aliketwo (used before measure words or nouns that indicate quantity)
Examples
- 俩。Wǒmen liǎ míngtiān qù kàn diànyǐng ba.The two of us will go see a movie tomorrow.
- 。Tā liǎ shì cóng xiǎo yìqǐ zhǎng dà de hǎo péngyou.The two of them have been good friends since they were young.
- 俩，。Wǒ mǎi le liǎ píngguǒ, yì rén yí gè.I bought two apples, one for each person.
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