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両
ryō
both
両方とも好きです。
I like both of them.
formal
both (of two things)
両手で持ってください。
Please hold it with both hands.
両方の意見を聞きましょう。
Let's listen to both opinions.
Used to refer to two things or people. Often paired with の to modify a noun (e.g., 両方の本).
Finance
historical
ryō (unit of currency in ancient Japan, equivalent to 43.8g of silver)
当時の両は現在の価値で数万円に相当した。
At the time, one ryō was equivalent to several tens of thousands of yen in today's value.
Historical unit of currency used during the Edo period. Rarely used in modern contexts.
Engineering
technical
vehicle (e.g., train car, carriage)
この電車は両数が多い。
This train has many cars.
Used in compound words like 客車 (passenger car) or 貨車 (freight car).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 両 vs 二
Use 両 when referring to two distinct things (e.g., 両方の本 = both books). Use 二 when counting (e.g., 二冊 = two books).
Gold Rule
Both meanings of 両
Remember that 両 has two primary meanings: 1) 'both' (common modern usage), and 2) an ancient currency unit (rarely used today). Context will usually clarify which meaning is intended.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese 'ryau', meaning 'pair' or 'two'. Historically related to Chinese '兩' (liǎng), which also means 'two' or 'both'. The financial meaning derives from the weight of silver coins used in currency.
Usage Notes
1. When referring to two things, 両方 is used for people/things, while 二つ is used for counting. 2. In modern Japanese, 両 is most commonly seen in compound words (e.g., 両替 = currency exchange, 両手 = both hands). 3. The historical financial meaning is rarely used today outside of historical contexts.
Word Breakdown
両
pair/two
root和英辞典