duo
[ˈdu.ɔ]masculine, neuter
The Latin word for two is duo.
The word represents the cardinal number 2.
Meaning: cardinal number 2 (num)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form duo is used when the number modifies masculine or neuter nouns in the nominative case. The feminine form is duae. For masculine nouns in the accusative case acting as direct objects, use duos. For feminine nouns in the accusative case, use duas. To show possession or to say 'of two' for masculine and neuter nouns, use the genitive form duorum. For feminine nouns, the genitive form is duarum.
Did you know?
- In ancient Indo-European languages, the word for 'two' was often part of a special 'dual' grammatical category, used specifically for things that only ever come in pairs, like eyes or hands.
- Latin has a specialized word for a pair of two, gemini, which specifically refers to twins. This word is the basis for the zodiac sign Gemini.
- The root of duo is the same one found in the English word 'double', meaning that 'two-ness' is baked into the very structure of many English adjectives.
Examples in context
- Ei duo canes sunt.He has two dogs.This sentence shows how to use duo.Tatoeba #1500492 by alexmarcelo, translation #295971 by CK
- Duos dies non valui.I haven't felt well for two days.Tatoeba #2229330 by alexmarcelo, translation #2169028 by CM
- Quid vos duo agitis?What are you two up to?Tatoeba #12323130 by soridsolid, translation #3219323 by Hybrid
- Duo sapientesTwo wise people
- Duae puellaeTwo girls
- 175 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Julia are looking at some books on a table.
- MarcusHic sunt duo libri.There are two books here.
- JuliaUterque liber est bonus.Each book is good.
- MarcusVisne duōs librōs habēre?Do you want to have two books?
- JuliaIta, duo volo.Yes, I want two.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “two” translations and entries duo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
