Comparing "er" and "liang"

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This is an introduction to the different uses of "2" in Chinese, namely 二 (èr) and 两 (liǎng).

Structure

In Chinese, there are two words for two.

The digit 2 is 二 (èr). This is used generally in numbers, when counting to ten and so on. When specifying quantities, however, 两 (liǎng) 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 is used.

Examples

Here are some common examples of 二 in action:

  • 第 二 #2; second
  • 第 二 个 the second one
  • 二 号 #2; the second (of the month)
  • 二 号 线 Line 2 (as of a subway)
  • 二 楼 floor 2
  • 二十二 22
  • 二百 (note: 两百 is also acceptable.) 200

Here are some common examples of 两 in action:

  • 两 个 人 two people
  • 两 年 two years
  • 两 个 月 two months
  • 两 天 two days
  • 两点 2 o'clock
  • 两百 (note: 二百 is also acceptable.) 200
  • 两千 2,000
  • 两万 20,000

Sources and further reading

Books