二
vs 两
E, Two and Liǎng
Although both mean 'two', their usage is governed by precise rules of numbering and quantity.
[cite_start]
[cite_start]
[cite_start]
Although both mean 'two', their usage is governed by precise rules of numbering and quantity[cite: 1426].
1. E (èr) : Used for counting and numbering (cardinal and ordinal numbers, fractions) [cite: 1427-1428].
| 一, 二, 三 | 1, 2, 3 [cite: 1430] |
| 二十二 | 22 [cite: 1430] |
| 二楼 | 1st floor (literally 2nd level) [cite: 1430] |
| 百分之二 | 2% [cite: 1430] |
2. Liǎng : Used to indicate quantity before a specific number [cite: 1428]. Often implies a dual or couple idea [cite: 1430-1431].
| 两本书 | Two books [cite: 1430] |
| 两汉 | The Han dynasty (literally 2nd Han) [cite: 1431] |
| 两口子 | A couple [cite: 1431] |
Special Cases
-
[cite_start]
- Composite Numbers: Use èr in all composite numbers (e.g., 22), but liǎng is more common before 百 (hundred), 千 (thousand), 万 (ten thousand) to indicate the quantity of hundreds or thousands [cite: 1439-1440]. [cite_start]
- Never Use Liǎng Before 十 (shí): Always say èrshí (20) [cite: 1442-1445]. [cite_start]
- Measurement Specifics: Before jīn (pound), gōngjīn (kilo), or mǐ (meter), both are possible: 二斤 / 两斤 [cite: 1466-1467].
Nuance exercises
Complete each sentence with the best term, then submit to view all corrections.
1. Quel mot correspond au pinyin « èr » ?
2. Quel mot correspond au pinyin « liǎng » ?