HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#74
Comparing “èr” and “liǎng”
二 / 两
How it works
Both 二 and 两 mean “two,” but they are used differently.
The difference
二 is used in numbers, counting, math, phone numbers, dates, and ordinal numbers. 两 is usually used before measure words and some nouns.
Example sentences
我有两个妹妹。
I have two younger sisters.
今天是二月二号。
Today is February 2nd.
这本书二十二块。
This book is 22 yuan.
我买了两本书。
I bought two books.
Usage note
A simple rule for learners: Use 两 before measure words. Use 二 in counting numbers and fixed numeric expressions.