Difference between revisions of ""Er and liang""

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The digit 2 is 二. This is used generally in numbers, when counting to ten and so on. When specifying quantities, however, 两 is used. This is when you want to say two ''of'' something.
 
The digit 2 is 二. This is used generally in numbers, when counting to ten and so on. When specifying quantities, however, 两 is used. This is when you want to say two ''of'' something.
  
A good rule is that if a [[measure word]] is used, use 两. 二 does not occur with measure words.
+
A good rule is that if a [[measure word]] is used, use 两. 二 does not generally occur with measure words.
  
 
Also remember that two o'clock uses 两: 两点. It's two points on the clock, which is a quantity, so 两 must be used.
 
Also remember that two o'clock uses 两: 两点. It's two points on the clock, which is a quantity, so 两 must be used.
  
 
[[Category:A1 grammar points]]
 
[[Category:A1 grammar points]]

Revision as of 02:25, 11 November 2011

In Chinese, there are two words for two.

The digit 2 is 二. This is used generally in numbers, when counting to ten and so on. When specifying quantities, however, 两 is used. This is when you want to say two of something.

A good rule is that if a measure word is used, use 两. 二 does not generally occur with measure words.

Also remember that two o'clock uses 两: 两点. It's two points on the clock, which is a quantity, so 两 must be used.