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March 24, 2026
俩(倆)liǎ(lia3)
The character 俩 (liǎ) is a colloquial term meaning 'two' or 'a couple.' It is often used in conversational Mandarin to refer to two people or items, and it can convey a sense of familiarity or informal context. Unlike the more formal 两个 (liǎng ge), 俩 is typically used among friends or in casual settings.
Strokes9Radical亻Frequency#379DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, using informal language like 俩 reflects a casual and friendly approach to communication. It is common in everyday conversations, particularly among younger generations, illustrating the importance of social bonds.
Memory tip
Imagine a pair of friends laughing together, representing the number two. The character 俩 combines the radical for a person (亻) and a form that suggests a pair, reminding you that it refers to two individuals. The pronunciation 'liǎ' can be remembered by thinking of 'laughing in pairs.'
Meanings of 俩
liǎ(lia3)
1two (colloquial equivalent of 兩個
2both
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About 俩
俩Simplified
倆Traditional
9Strokes
亻Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#379Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 俩
Podcast: 俩
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AI study notes for 俩
Quick Contrast
两个 (liǎng ge) is more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while 俩 (liǎ) is specifically colloquial and implies familiarity.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 俩 with 两个 (liǎng ge); remember that 俩 is more informal. It's commonly used in conversational contexts and can pair with nouns to specify 'two of something.' Be mindful of the third tone in pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 俩 connects well with other numerals and colloquial expressions. Students should focus on using it in sentences to express quantities informally, reinforcing their understanding of tone and context.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly use 俩 in formal writing or situations, thinking it is interchangeable with 两个. For example, saying '我有俩苹果' (Wǒ yǒu liǎ píngguǒ) in a formal letter would be wrong; instead, use '我有两个苹果' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng ge píngguǒ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 俩
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How to say two (colloquial equivalent of 兩個 in Chinese
“two (colloquial equivalent of 兩個” in Chinese is俩liǎ
The character 俩 (liǎ) is a colloquial term meaning 'two' or 'a couple.' It is often used in conversational Mandarin to refer to two people or items, and it can convey a sense of familiarity or informal context. Unlike the more formal 两个 (liǎng ge), 俩 is typically used among friends or in casual settings.
When to use 俩
Learners often confuse 俩 with 两个 (liǎng ge); remember that 俩 is more informal. It's commonly used in conversational contexts and can pair with nouns to specify 'two of something.' Be mindful of the third tone in pronunciation to avoid misunderstandings.
俩 or something close to it
两个 (liǎng ge) is more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts, while 俩 (liǎ) is specifically colloquial and implies familiarity.
What learners get wrong
Learners might incorrectly use 俩 in formal writing or situations, thinking it is interchangeable with 两个. For example, saying '我有俩苹果' (Wǒ yǒu liǎ píngguǒ) in a formal letter would be wrong; instead, use '我有两个苹果' (Wǒ yǒu liǎng ge píngguǒ).
Write 俩
俩
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Grammar patterns of 俩
俩 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 5 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.
Both of them, I may say, are thoroughly reliable men.
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Cultural Notes for 俩
💡Did you know?
'俩' is commonly used in everyday conversation in China when referring to two people or items, making it a very practical word to know. It reflects the colloquial nature of Chinese language.
Word Family of 俩
Words containing this character4
俩liǎboth倆
咱俩zánliǎthe two of us咱倆
伎俩jìliǎngtrick伎倆
俩钱儿liǎqiánrerhua variant of 倆錢兒|俩钱儿[liǎqiánr]倆錢兒
Exercise 1 of 3
Words with 俩
What does 咱俩 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 俩
No, 俩 (liǎ) is considered informal and is typically used in casual speech. In more formal contexts or writing, you would use 两个 (liǎng ge) instead.
俩 (liǎ) is the colloquial way to say 'two' or 'both,' while 两个 (liǎng ge) is the formal version. You would use 俩 in everyday conversations, but in writing or formal speech, it's best to use 两个.
俩 (liǎ) is a colloquial term that means 'two' or 'both' in Chinese. It is often used in informal contexts to refer to a pair of people or things, and is equivalent to the more formal 两个 (liǎng ge).
俩 (liǎ) can be used to refer to two people or items in casual conversation. For example, you might say '我们俩去吧' (Wǒmen liǎ qù ba), meaning 'Let's go, the two of us.' It's a great way to emphasize the number when speaking informally.
No, 俩 is considered informal and is best reserved for casual conversations.
You can simply place it before a noun, for example, 俩人 (liǎ rén) means 'two people'.
While both mean 'two,' 俩 is more colloquial, whereas 两个 is more formal.
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