倆 (liǎ) - Two & both

倆Tone 3

liǎ ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

倆 · liǎ

Two;

both;

a pair;

used for counting people or things that come in pairs.

Twobotha pair

Usage highlights

The two of themThe two of usYou twoFather and sonHusband and wifeBrothers

Synonyms

  • 两— Two (more formal, used before measure words)
  • 双— Pair; couple (emphasizes the paired nature)

Antonyms

  • 单— Single; alone
  • 独— Solo; solitary

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The two of them went together (他们俩).
  • We both like this movie (我们俩都喜欢这部电影).
  • They are a couple (他们俩是一对).
  • Just the two of us (就咱们俩).

Collocations

  • The two of them(他们俩)
  • The two of us(我们俩)
  • You two(你们俩)
  • Father and son(父子俩)
  • Husband and wife(夫妻俩)
  • Brothers(哥儿俩)

Idioms

  • Three pounds and two ounces(三斤俩)
  • A couple of good friends(俩好朋友)
  • Both are excellent(俩都棒)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used specifically for counting people or paired items in colloquial Northern Mandarin.
  • Derived from 两个 (liǎng gè), with the 个 (gè) component absorbed into the pronunciation.
  • Common in informal speech but less formal than 两个 in written contexts.

FAQ