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March 24, 2026
两(兩)liǎng(liang3)
The character '两' (liǎng) primarily means 'two' and is used in various contexts, such as counting, expressing quantities, or indicating pairs. It can also refer to a unit of weight equivalent to 50 grams in modern usage. In everyday language, it can imply 'a few' or 'some' when discussing amounts.
Strokes7Radical一Frequency#121DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
The use of '两' as a unit of weight reflects traditional Chinese measurement systems still observed in some markets today, where weights are often discussed in taels rather than grams or ounces. This highlights the cultural significance of historical trade practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a pair of swans swimming together, representing the number 'two.' The character '两' looks like a simplified pair of objects, with the horizontal strokes symbolizing their unity. The pronunciation 'liǎng' can remind you of 'link,' which connects two things.
Meanings of 两
liǎng(liang3)
1two
2both
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 两
两Simplified
兩Traditional
7Strokes
一Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#121Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L1ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 两
Podcast: 两
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AI Study Notes for 两
Usage Notes
'两' is commonly used in informal contexts when counting or discussing quantities. A common mistake is confusing it with '二' (èr), which also means 'two' but is used in different contexts, particularly in counting. Remember to use '两' when referring to pairs or quantities of items.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, '两' connects with other basic numbers and quantifiers, helping learners understand how to express amounts in daily conversation. Students should focus on using it in context, such as '两个人' (liǎng gè rén) meaning 'two people'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '两' with '二' in counting scenarios, such as saying '我有二个苹果' (wǒ yǒu èr gè píngguǒ) instead of '我有两个苹果' (wǒ yǒu liǎng gè píngguǒ). Always use '两' when referring to pairs or amounts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 两
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Simplified form of 兩. Combination of two 丙 characters. The significance of 丙 is unclear.
1The giveawayTwo people 从 together in a cart
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 两? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 两?
Decomposition of 两
IDS Structure⿱一⿻冂从
两Full Character
=
一yi1
top
冂jiong1
outer
从Cong2
inner
Exercise 1 of 3
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 两?
How to say two in Chinese
“two” in Chinese is两liǎng
The character '两' (liǎng) primarily means 'two' and is used in various contexts, such as counting, expressing quantities, or indicating pairs. It can also refer to a unit of weight equivalent to 50 grams in modern usage. In everyday language, it can imply 'a few' or 'some' when discussing amounts.
When to use 两
'两' is commonly used in informal contexts when counting or discussing quantities. A common mistake is confusing it with '二' (èr), which also means 'two' but is used in different contexts, particularly in counting. Remember to use '两' when referring to pairs or quantities of items.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '两' with '二' in counting scenarios, such as saying '我有二个苹果' (wǒ yǒu èr gè píngguǒ) instead of '我有两个苹果' (wǒ yǒu liǎng gè píngguǒ). Always use '两' when referring to pairs or amounts.
Write 两
两
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Practice writing 两 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 两
两 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
