两
two; both; a tael (unit of weight)
Meanings
5 senses · 15 examplesnumeral
two (when followed by a measure word or 'half', 'thousand', 'ten thousand', 'billion'); a couple of
Used specifically before measure words (e.g., 个, 本, 匹). Different from '二'(èr). Use '两' before measure words, new metric units, and informally for small quantities. Use '二' for counting, decimals, fractions, ordinals, and in multi-digit numbers (hundreds, tens, ones). Before traditional units, both are acceptable, but '二' is more common. '两' cannot be used for 'two taels'(二两).
I bought two books.
He has two cats.
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This car weighs two tons.
She gave me two and a half months.
She earned two thousand yuan.
numeral
both parties; both sides; mutual
Used in fixed phrases to indicate reciprocity or mutual benefit.
This is a method that benefits both sides / a win-win solution.
They were both willing and got married quickly.
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Handling it this way is convenient for both parties.
numeral
a few; several; a couple (indefinite small number)
informalUsed colloquially to mean 'a few' or 'several', similar to '几'(jǐ), but often implies a small, manageable amount.
I'll come see you again in a couple of days.
He really has some skills, fixing it so quickly.
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Let me say a few words to you.
noun
a surname
That teacher's surname is Liang.
measure word
tael (a traditional unit of mass/weight, equal to 50 grams in the modern system)
In the traditional system, 16 liang = 1 jin (catty). Since 1959, the modern system uses 10 liang = 1 jin, with 1 liang = 50 grams. Primarily used for weighing precious metals, herbs, and in traditional markets.
This packet of tea leaves weighs three taels (150 grams).
In the old system, one catty was equal to sixteen taels.
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Please weigh two taels of pork for me.