Learn a Chinese Character - 两

1. Character Basics

Radical: 一 (yī, one radical) / 入 (rù, enter radical)

Stroke Count: 7

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: liǎng (Third tone)

3. Meaning

Two; both; pair; some; a few; a measure word (for pairs or certain objects); two of something

4. Common Words

• 两个 (liǎng gè) - two (used for counting general objects)
• 两边 (liǎng biān) - both sides; two sides
• 两种 (liǎng zhǒng) - two kinds; two types
• 两年 (liǎng nián) - two years
• 两天 (liǎng tiān) - two days
• 两人 (liǎng rén) - two people
• 两倍 (liǎng bèi) - double; twice as much
• 两两 (liǎng liǎng) - in pairs; two by two

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "两" (liǎng) has two main functions: as a numeral meaning "two" and as a measure word for certain objects.

Grammar Patterns:

• 两 + 量词 + 名词: 两个苹果 (two apples), 两本书 (two books)
• 两 + 名词: 两天 (two days), 两年 (two years)
• 两 + 边/种/倍: 两边 (both sides), 两种 (two kinds), 两倍 (double)
• 注意: When counting with measure words, "两" is used instead of "二" (èr) for the number two.

6. Cultural Background

The number "两" (two) has special significance in Chinese culture. It often represents balance, harmony, and completeness.

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of "阴阳" (yīn yáng, yin and yang) emphasizes the balance of two complementary forces in the universe. This duality is fundamental to many aspects of Chinese thought, including medicine, martial arts, and feng shui.

In Chinese idioms and sayings, "两" appears frequently. For example: "两全其美" (liǎng quán qí měi) means "to satisfy both sides" or "to make both parties happy."

Traditional Chinese units of measurement also use "两" as a unit of weight (approximately 50 grams), though this is less commonly used in modern China.

Another cultural significance is seen in the custom of giving red envelopes with money during holidays or special occasions, often in even numbers as they are considered lucky.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "两" (liǎng) can be remembered as two "入" (rù, enter) characters overlapping each other, which visually represents the concept of "two."

Another way to remember it is to think of it as two people standing next to each other, which connects to its meaning of "two" or "both."

Practice writing the character following the stroke order to help with memorization.

Remember that "两" is used with measure words for counting, while "二" (èr) is used in numbers, dates, and sequences.

Associate the character with common phrases like "两个" (two) and "两边" (both sides) to reinforce its meaning and usage.