Keywords: liang, 两, er, 二, liang vs er, two in Chinese, Chinese numbers, Chinese measure words, when to use liang, Mandarin for two, learning Chinese numbers, tael
Summary: In Mandarin Chinese, “两” (liǎng) is one of the two ways to say “two,” and understanding its use is crucial for sounding like a native speaker. While “二” (èr) is used for counting abstractly, “两” (liǎng) is used specifically when counting physical objects with a measure word, such as “两本书” (liǎng běn shū - two books). This entry explains the critical difference between “两” and “二,” its role in numbers and measurement, and provides practical examples to master its usage.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): liǎng
Part of Speech: Numeral, Measure Word
HSK Level: HSK 1
Concise Definition: Two, used before a measure word or as a traditional unit of weight (tael).
In a Nutshell: Think of “两” (liǎng) as the word for “a couple of” or “a pair of” things. While “二” (èr) is the number “2” you use when you're just counting (1, 2, 3…), “两” (liǎng) is what you must use when you're actually counting nouns. If there's a measure word involved, you need to use “两”. This is a fundamental rule in Chinese grammar.
Character Breakdown
两 (liǎng): The character's origin is debated, but a helpful way to remember it is to see two identical parts joined under a single stroke. It visually suggests a pair or a set of two things working together. Another interpretation relates it to an ancient scale or balance, which makes sense as “两” is also the name of a traditional unit of weight, the “tael”. This duality—representing both a quantity and a weight—is core to the character's meaning.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese, numbers aren't just for counting; they shape how you describe the world. The distinction between “两” (liǎng) and “二” (èr) highlights a key feature of the language: the mandatory use of measure words. In English, we can simply say “two people.” In Chinese, you must insert a “classifier” or “measure word” that suits the noun: “两 /个/ 人” (liǎng /ge/ rén). The “个” (ge) is the measure word.
This structure forces the speaker to categorize the noun they are describing, a concept less prominent in English. Using “两” correctly is therefore not just about vocabulary, but about adopting a fundamentally Chinese grammatical structure.
Furthermore, the concept of pairs is auspicious in Chinese culture. The proverb “好事成双” (hǎoshì chéng shuāng) means “good things come in pairs.” While “两” is a grammatical tool, it operates within a culture that often values duality and pairs in everything from gifts to decorations.
Practical Usage in Modern China
1. Counting with Measure Words (Most Common Use):
The golden rule is: 两 + Measure Word + Noun. This is non-negotiable for counting things.
e.g., 两个人 (liǎng ge rén - two people), 两本书 (liǎng běn shū - two books), 两杯咖啡 (liǎng bēi kāfēi - two cups of coffee).
2. In Larger Numbers:
“两” is used for the “hundreds,” “thousands,” and “ten thousands” places. It sounds more natural and is more common in spoken Chinese than using “二”.
`200` is 两百 (liǎng bǎi)
`2,000` is 两千 (liǎng qiān)
`20,000` is 两万 (liǎng wàn)
Note: For 20, you use “二”: 二十 (èr shí).
3. As a Unit of Weight (Tael):
In traditional markets, especially when buying loose-leaf tea, grains, or traditional medicine, “两” is used as a unit of weight. One “两” is 50 grams.
e.g., 我要买三两茶叶 (Wǒ yào mǎi sān liǎng cháyè - I want to buy three taels of tea).
4. For Approximations:
It's often combined with “三” (sān) to mean “a few” or “two or three.”
e.g., 我等了两三个小时 (Wǒ děng le liǎng sān ge xiǎoshí - I waited for two or three hours).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我们家有两只猫。
Pinyin: Wǒmen jiā yǒu liǎng zhī māo.
English: My family has two cats.
Analysis: A classic example of the “两 + Measure Word (只) + Noun (猫)” structure. Using “二只猫” here would be a common beginner mistake.
Example 2:
我想买两张去北京的票。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng mǎi liǎng zhāng qù Běijīng de piào.
English: I'd like to buy two tickets to Beijing.
Analysis: “张” (zhāng) is the measure word for flat objects like tickets, tables, or paper.
Example 3:
这件衣服两百块钱。
Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yīfu liǎng bǎi kuài qián.
English: This piece of clothing costs 200 yuan.
Analysis: “两” is used for the hundreds place (两百). Using “二百” (èrbǎi) is possible but less common in everyday speech.
Example 4:
会议将在两点开始。
Pinyin: Huìyì jiāng zài liǎng diǎn kāishǐ.
English: The meeting will start at two o'clock.
Analysis: For telling time, “two o'clock” is always “两点” (liǎng diǎn), never “二点” (èr diǎn).
Example 5:
请给我两瓶水，谢谢。
Pinyin: Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng píng shuǐ, xièxie.
English: Please give me two bottles of water, thank you.
Analysis: “瓶” (píng) is the measure word for bottles. This is a very practical sentence to use when traveling.
Example 6:
他有两个孩子，一个儿子和一个女儿。
Pinyin: Tā yǒu liǎng ge háizi, yī ge érzi hé yī ge nǚ'ér.
English: He has two children, a son and a daughter.
Analysis: “个” (ge) is the most generic and common measure word, used here for “孩子” (children).
Example 7:
我们已经认识两年了。
Pinyin: Wǒmen yǐjīng rènshi liǎng nián le.
English: We have known each other for two years.
Analysis: “年” (nián - year) acts as its own measure word, so “两” is used directly before it.
Example 8:
这两天天气不太好。
Pinyin: Zhè liǎng tiān tiānqì bù tài hǎo.
English: The weather these past couple of days hasn't been very good.
Analysis: Here, “两天” means “two days” or “a couple of days.”
Example 9:
他比我大两岁。
Pinyin: Tā bǐ wǒ dà liǎng suì.
English: He is two years older than me.
Analysis: When specifying an age difference, “两岁” (liǎng suì) is used. “二岁” is incorrect.
Example 10:
我去过中国两次。
Pinyin: Wǒ qùguo Zhōngguó liǎng cì.
English: I have been to China twice.
Analysis: “次” (cì) is the measure word for “times” or “occurrences.”
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 两 (liǎng) with 二 (èr). Here is a clear guide:
Use 两 (liǎng)…
1. Before a measure word: This is the most important rule.
Correct: `两个人 (liǎng ge rén)` - two people.
Incorrect: `二个人 (èr ge rén)`
2. For telling time:
Correct: `两点 (liǎng diǎn)` - two o'clock.
Incorrect: `二点 (èr diǎn)`
3. For hundreds, thousands, etc.: It's the more common and natural choice.
Preferred: `两千 (liǎng qiān)` - 2,000.
Also possible but less common: `二百 (èrbǎi)` - 200. (Note: Be careful with `二百五 (èrbǎiwǔ)`, which is a common insult meaning “idiot”.)