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双
そう (sō), ふた (futa)
pair
彼女は双子の妹がいます。
She has a twin sister.
formal
a pair of identical or similar things, especially twins
双の靴を履く。
I wear a pair of shoes.
Often used for pairs of objects (e.g., shoes, chopsticks) or twins.
formal
two; both; double
双方向のコミュニケーション。
Two-way communication.
Used in compound words like 双方 (both parties).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 双 vs. ペア
Use 双 for natural pairs (e.g., twins, shoes, chopsticks) and ペア for man-made or arbitrary pairs (e.g., a pair of socks, a pair of earrings).
Gold Rule
Compound words with 双
双 is often used in compound words to indicate 'two' or 'mutual.' Examples: 双方 (both parties), 双眼鏡 (binoculars), 双子 (twins).
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *futa* (two), related to Proto-Japonic *puta. Evolved to mean 'pair' in modern Japanese.
Usage Notes
双 is formal and often used in compound words or specific contexts like twins, objects in pairs, or mutual relationships. For general 'pair' in everyday speech, 'ペア' (pair) is more common.
Word Breakdown
双
two; pair
root和英辞典