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二(èr) VS 两(liǎng)

What's the difference between these two?
When we count the numbers, we usually say 一(yī)、二(èr)、三(sān)……

But when 二(èr)(two)is put before the measure words, it should be changed into 两(liǎng)(which also means two)

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such as

  • 两(liǎng)杯(bēi)啤酒(píjiǔ)(two cups of beer)
  • 两(liǎng)碗(wǎn)米饭(mǐfàn)(two bowls of rice)
  • 两(liǎng)个(gè)人(rén)(two persons).

© Shanghai International Studies University
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