私たち二人
watashitachi futari
The English phrase "both of us" is translated into Japanese as 私たち二人 (watashitachi futari).
私たち二人 is used to refer to two people, including the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of watashitachi (we) and futari (two people).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more masculine and informal tone, male speakers often use 僕たち二人. In very formal or stiff professional contexts, 我々二人 can be used. Additionally, if you wish to express "the two of us" in an informal context, you can use Futari de.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specifically emphasize the "both" aspect (meaning "both of us" or "each of us"), you can add the particle tomo to the phrase, resulting in 私たち二人とも. For example, you would use 私たち二人を when the phrase acts as a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
watashitachi futari
Did you know?
- The term wareware used in 我々二人 originates from ancient Japanese and carries a heavy sense of collective identity. It is so formal that using it in a casual setting can make the speaker sound like a historical figure or a corporate entity.
- In romantic contexts, Japanese speakers often omit watashitachi entirely and simply say futari to mean 'the two of us'. This creates an intimate nuance that implies the couple is a single unit.
- Japanese speakers may use the phrase 二人 (futari) to refer to a couple even if the speaker is not one of them, effectively meaning 'those two'.
Examples in context
- 私たち二人とも酔ってたのよ。Both of us were drunk.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 私たち二人 in the context of a state of being.Tatoeba #9930562 by small_snow, translation #8786158 by Ergulis
- 私たち二人ともドイツ出身なんだ。Both of us are from Germany.This sentence uses the form 私たち二人 to describe a shared origin.Tatoeba #9065889 by small_snow, translation #3898462 by AlanF_US
- ちょっといいですか？私たち二人にとって大事なことを話し合いたいのですが。Can you spare a minute? I'd like to discuss something of importance to both of us.This sentence shows how to use 私たち二人 when discussing something important to both people.Tatoeba #1144666 by bunbuku, translation #39998 by CN
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 陽太 Yota今日の夕飯、何にする？Kyou no yuuhan, nani ni suru?What should we have for dinner today?
- 美咲 Misaki私たち二人で決めましょう。Watashitachi futari de kimemashou.Let's decide together, both of us.
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。イタリアンはどうかな？Ii yo. Itarian wa dou kana?Sounds good. How about Italian?
- 美咲 Misaki賛成！私もそれが食べたかったの。Sansei! Watashi mo sore ga tabetakatta no.I agree! I wanted to eat that too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
