Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| …都 | …dōu |
| 雙方 / 双方 | shuāngfāng |
| 倆 / 俩 | liǎ |
| 兩 / 两 | liǎng |
The concept of 'both' is expressed through different words based on whether you are emphasizing that all items in a pair share a quality, referring to two parties in a formal agreement or counting two specific items. To express the connection 'both…and…', you can use the conjunctions 既……又…… or 又……又……
Which one should you use?
The forms differ significantly in their function and tone. …都 is used as an adverb to indicate that both subjects perform an action or possess a quality. 双方 refers specifically to 'both sides' or 'both parties'. 俩 is a colloquial way to say 'the two of them' or 'both', often used after a pronoun. 两 is used specifically when counting two of a specific item.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies by choice of word. 双方 is used in formal contexts such as diplomacy, negotiations or contracts. 俩 is an informal, colloquial term. The phrase 二者皆 serves as a formal way to express that both are the case.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, you can express 'both' using 都 or 兩個.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using …都 to mean 'both are' or 'both do', you must place 都 after the subject and before the verb. Additionally, when counting two of a specific item, use 两 (liǎng) instead of the number '二' (èr). Regarding the informal term 俩, it is typically used after a pronoun or a noun, such as in 我们俩 (the two of us).
How do you pronounce it?
…dōu
Did you know?
- Ancient forms of the character 兩 may have originally depicted two chariots and a whip, suggesting a connection to movement or transport.
Examples in context
- 他们 两个都 很聪明。Both of them are very intelligent.
- 我 同时 学习中文和英文。I'm studying both Chinese and English at the same time.
- 这个冲突 二者皆 有责任。Both parties are responsible for this conflict.
- 我们 都 很喜欢这部电影。We both really like this movie.
- 我们 俩 一起去旅行。We both go on trips together.
- 呢兩件衫我都喜歡。I like both of these shirts.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “both” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 倆, 兩, CC BY-SA 4.0.
