lưỡng

Lưỡng con chim đậu trên cành cây.

Definition

1. Numeral (Archaic/Literary):
   • Two: An archaic or literary term meaning the number two. It is primarily used in fixed, classical expressions or poetic contexts, not in everyday counting.
   • Both / A pair: Often implies a duality or a pair of things considered together.

Usage Examples

• Numeral:
  • Lưỡng long tranh châu. (Two dragons fighting for a pearl.)
  • Lưỡng quốc trạng nguyên. (A top scholar in two countries.)
  • Phân vân lưỡng lự. (To be hesitant, of two minds.)

Advanced Usage

• "lưỡng lự": to hesitate, to be indecisive (literally "of two considerations").

  • Anh ấy lưỡng lự không biết có nên nhận lời hay không. (He hesitated, not knowing whether to accept the offer.)

• "lưỡng nan": a dilemma, a situation with two difficult choices.

  • Cô ấy rơi vào thế lưỡng nan. (She found herself in a dilemma.)

Variants and Related Words

• Song (Numeral, Literary): Also means "two" or "double," often used in similar classical compounds (e.g., - both parents).
• Đôi (Numeral/Classifier): A common modern word for "a pair" or "two" as a couple.

Synonyms

• Two: The number 2.
• Both: Referring to two items together.
• Dual: Consisting of two parts.

Related Idioms and Classical Phrases

• Lưỡng đầu thọ địch: To be attacked from both sides; to be caught between two fires.
• Lưỡng toàn: To satisfy both sides; a win-win situation.
• Lưỡng quốc: Pertaining to two nations.