俩 (liǎ) - Two & a couple

俩Tone 3

liǎ ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

俩 · liǎ

Two;

a couple;

both;

specifically indicates two persons or things together.

Twoa coupleboth

Usage highlights

The two of usThe two of themBoth brothersBoth sistersHusband and wife coupleMother and child

Synonyms

  • 两— two (more formal)
  • 双— pair; couple
  • 对— pair; couple

Antonyms

  • 单— single
  • 独— alone; solitary

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We are just a couple (我们俩).
  • The two of them went together (他们俩一起去了).
  • Both brothers are tall (兄弟俩都很高).
  • I have two tickets (我有俩票).

Collocations

  • The two of us(我们俩)
  • The two of them(他们俩)
  • Both brothers(哥俩)
  • Both sisters(姐妹俩)
  • Husband and wife couple(夫妻俩)
  • Mother and child(娘俩)

Idioms

  • Three melons and two dates(三瓜俩枣)
  • Three heads and two days(三头俩日)
  • Half a catty and eight ounces(半斤八两)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally a colloquial variant of 兩 (two), commonly used in northern Chinese dialects.
  • Carries an informal, friendly connotation when referring to pairs of people.
  • Often implies closeness or intimacy between the two persons mentioned.

FAQ