両
both · old Japanese coin · counter for carriages (e.g., in a train) · two
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
one + 冂 + mountain
Cultural Context
Etymology
A pictograph of both pans of a scale. Means both sides, two things, indicating balance and equilibrium. Simplified form of 兩.
Symbolism
Symbolizes both, balance, and symmetry. Represents harmony between two things and fair judgment.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Good old days
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
一挙両得
いっきょりょうとく
killing two birds with one stone; serving two ends; killing two birds with one stone
一刀両断
いっとうりょうだん
cutting in two with a single stroke; taking decisive action; dealing with decisively; cutting in two with a single stroke
賛否両論
さんぴりょうろん
arguments for and against; pros and cons; mixed reception; arguments for and against
千両役者
せんりょうやくしゃ
star (actor); prima donna; leading figure; star (actor)
文武両道
ぶんぶりょうどう
being accomplished in both the literary and military arts; doing well in both school and sports; being accomplished in both the literary and military arts
首鼠両端
しゅそりょうたん
being unable to make up one's mind; sitting on the fence; being unable to make up one's mind
進退両難
しんたいりょうなん
being driven to the wall; finding oneself between the devil and the deep blue sea; finding oneself between a rock and a hard place; being driven to the wall
忠孝両全
ちゅうこうりょうぜん
being a good son and a loyal subject; possessing loyalty and filial piety; being a good son and a loyal subject