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March 24, 2026
二èr(er4)
The character '二' (èr) means 'two' and is used to denote the number 2 in various contexts, including counting, mathematics, and everyday conversation. In Beijing dialect, it can also colloquially mean 'stupid', adding a layer of nuance to its usage depending on the context.
Strokes2Radical二Frequency#664DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
'二' is also significant in Chinese culture as it is associated with duality and balance, often appearing in sayings and idioms that emphasize pairs or opposites. It also appears in traditional Chinese festivities where pairs are considered auspicious.
Memory Tip
Imagine two ducks quacking 'èr' in unison. The character '二' resembles two horizontal lines, symbolizing the number two. Picture these two lines as the two ducks standing side by side, reinforcing both the pronunciation and meaning.
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AI Study Notes for 二
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two ducks quacking 'èr' in unison. The character '二' resembles two horizontal lines, symbolizing the number two. Picture these two lines as the two ducks standing side by side, reinforcing both the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing '二' with '一' (yī), which means 'one'. It’s essential to remember that '二' is used in both formal and informal situations, especially when counting. Watch out for the tone; 'èr' must be pronounced with a falling tone to convey the correct meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, '二' is foundational for beginners and connects well with other numbers like '一' (yī) and '三' (sān). Focus on mastering its pronunciation and its role in simple counting and expressions.
Cultural Note
'二' is also significant in Chinese culture as it is associated with duality and balance, often appearing in sayings and idioms that emphasize pairs or opposites. It also appears in traditional Chinese festivities where pairs are considered auspicious.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '二' with '两' (liǎng), which is used specifically when counting objects. For example, saying '二个' instead of '两个' is incorrect; it should be '两个' for 'two items'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 二
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Grammar Patterns of 二
二 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Asked what English he knew, Mr Semko rattled off "One, two, three"
7
她在墙上贴满了十二星座的标志。
tā zài qiáng shàng tiē mǎn le shí èr xīng zuò de biāo zhì。
She covered the walls with the signs of the zodiac.
8
即使重量仅有1克的二十分之几都可能是关键性的。
jí shǐ zhòng liáng jǐn yǒu1 1 kè de èr shí fēn zhī jī dū kě néng shì guān jiàn xìng。
A few twentieths of a gram can be critical.
9
我见了几个朋友，直到夜里十一二点才回家。
wǒ jiàn le jī gè péng yǒu， ， zhí dào yè lǐ shí yī èr diǎn cái huí。
I met some friends and stayed out until eleven or twelve.
10
我把准备的东西忘了个一干二净。
wǒ bǎ zhǔn bèi de dōng xī wàng le gè yī gān èr jìng。
I clean forgot everything I had prepared.
Cultural Notes for 二
🏮Cultural insight
'二' is also significant in Chinese culture as it is associated with duality and balance, often appearing in sayings and idioms that emphasize pairs or opposites. It also appears in traditional Chinese festivities where pairs are considered auspicious.
Word Family of 二
Compounds35
那Na1surname Na
些xie1some
于Yu2surname Yu
三San1surname San
亚ya4Asia
示shi4to show
元Yuan2surname Yuan
印Yin4surname Yin
云yun2(classical) to say
仁ren2humane
冕mian3crown; ceremonial cap
竺du3India; bamboo; surname
亘gen4to extend across, through; from
亟ji2urgently, immediately, extremely
贰er4two (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)
亍chu4to take small steps; Korean place name
亓Qi2that; surname
亖
亝
佞ning4flattery; glib
冃
叄
弍
聿yu4writing brush, pencil; thereupon
亗
亙gen4through; to extend across; to, from
冄
勻yun2equal; even, uniform
夳
忈
晉jin4to advance; to increase; to promote
谻
貳er4two (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)
賎
邞
Words Containing This Character20
第二second
二èrtwo
第二天next day
第二次second
周二Tuesday週二
二手房second-hand house
二者both
独一无二dúyīwú’èrnothing compares with it獨一無二
十二月December
二月February
二战World War II二戰
第二轮second round (of match, or election)第二輪
二手èrshǒuassistant
二十twenty
老二(euphemism) penis
星期二Tuesday
十二twelve
其二secondly
第二位second place
二氧化碳èryǎnghuàtàncarbon dioxide CO2
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 那 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 二
Make sure to use a falling tone, pronounced as 'èr'. It should sound sharp and distinct.
Yes, '二' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially in numerical data.
Common phrases include '二十' (èrshí) for twenty and '二倍' (èr bèi) meaning double.
