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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing the numeral 'two' with 两 (liǎng)

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    两 + Classifier + Noun

    Explanation

    两 (liǎng) means "two" and is used specifically when counting or quantifying things with classifiers, as opposed to 二 (èr), which is used in numbers and sequences. It appears before a classifier and noun to indicate a quantity of two. For example, 两个人 means "two people."

    Examples

    • 桌子上放着两杯咖啡。

      zhuōzi shàng fàng zhe liǎng bēi kāfēi.

      There are two cups of coffee on the table.

    • 我有两个姐姐，她们都在国外。

      wǒ yǒu liǎng gè jiějie, tāmen dōu zài guówài.

      I have two older sisters; they are both abroad.

    • 他两年前来过这里。

      tā liǎng nián qián lái guo zhèlǐ.

      He came here two years ago.

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    Expressing the numeral 'two' with 两 (liǎng) | Chinese Grammar