Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 両方 | ryōhō | [ɾʲo̞ːho̞ː] (narrow) |
| 両- | ryō- | |
| どちらも | dochira mo | |
| 双方 | sōhō |
The word 両方 is a noun used to refer to both of two objects or concepts. You can also use the prefix 両- (ryō-) attached to certain nouns to indicate that the noun exists in a pair or involves both sides, such as 両親 (ryōshin) for 'both parents'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 両方 is composed of 両 (ryō), meaning "both" or "two sides" and 方 (hō), meaning "direction" or "way".
Which one should you use?
While 両方 is a noun often used to refer to objects or concepts, どちらも (dochira mo) is a more pronoun-like form used specifically when choosing between two options or directions. Additionally, if you want to say "both…and…" as a conjunction, you can use …でもあり…でもある or …でも…でも.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 双方 (sōhō) is a more formal, written-style term often used in legal, business or official contexts to refer to "both parties" or "both sides".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ryōhō
Did you know?
- The character 双 in 双方 (sōhō) is the same character used in 双子 (futago), which means 'twins'.
- The prefix 両 (ryō) is also used in the word 両手 (ryōte), meaning 'both hands', but it is also the character used to mean 'both sides' of a coin or a blade.
- The word どちらも (dochira mo) is often used in response to a choice, and using it alone can sometimes sound slightly more polite than just saying 'both' with a noun.
Examples in context
- 両方好きよ。I like them both.This sentence demonstrates how to use 両方 to express liking two things.Tatoeba #10159854 by small_snow, translation #2930608 by astyng
- 両方要るよ。We need both.This sentence shows the use of 両方 when expressing a need for both items.Tatoeba #10714063 by small_snow, translation #4501172 by CK
- 両方とも正しいよ。You both are right.This sentence illustrates the use of 両方 with the particle とも to emphasize that the condition applies to both items without exception.Tatoeba #10212638 by small_snow, translation #10113941 by DJ_Saidez
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are choosing which drinks to buy.
- 蓮 Renコーヒーと紅茶、どっちにする？Kōhī to kōcha, docchi ni suru?Coffee or tea, which one will you take?
- 陽葵 Himari迷うなあ。両方買おうかな。Mayou naa. Ryōhō kaō kana.I can't decide. Maybe I'll buy both.
- 蓮 Renそんなにたくさん飲めるの？Sonna ni takusan nomeru no?Can you drink that much?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、後で飲めば大丈夫だよ。Un, ato de nomeba daijōbu da yo.Yeah, it's fine if I drink them later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “both” translations and entries 両方, 双方, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
