Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 両

両

Level:N3 Low
Strokes:6
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji 両 primarily signifies "both," "both sides," "two," or "pair." It implies duality, encompassing two items, things, or aspects that are considered together. The character embodies the idea of a pair or a set.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): リョウ (ryou) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ふた(つ)(futatsu - as in “two”)

Usage Examples

⚫︎両親 Translation: parents (both father and mother) ⚫︎両方 Translation: both sides; both; all ⚫︎両手 Translation: both hands

Origin and Formation

The kanji 両 is a pictograph. It depicts two objects or two parts side by side. Initially, it represented a cart with two wheels, thus signifying duality. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass the concepts of "both," "pair," and "two."

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