Measure Word 双 (shuāng) for Pairs
Use `双` for identical items that naturally function as a set of two, like shoes or chopsticks.
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use `双` for identical pairs like shoes, socks, and chopsticks.
- The structure is Number + `双` + Noun.
- Always use `两` (liǎng) instead of `二` (èr) with `双`.
- Avoid using `双` for non-identical pairs or items like pants.
Quick Reference
| Chinese Phrase | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 一双鞋 | yì shuāng xié | A pair of shoes |
| 两双袜 | liǎng shuāng wà | Two pairs of socks |
| 一双筷子 | yì shuāng kuàizi | A pair of chopsticks |
| 一双眼睛 | yì shuāng yǎnjing | A pair of eyes |
| 一双手 | yì shuāng shǒu | A pair of hands |
| 这双皮鞋 | zhè shuāng píxié | This pair of leather shoes |
| 那双袜子 | nà shuāng wàzi | That pair of socks |
Exemplos-chave
3 de 8我买了一双鞋。
I bought a pair of shoes.
请给我一双筷子。
Please give me a pair of chopsticks.
她有一双漂亮的眼睛。
She has a pair of beautiful eyes.
The Mirror Test
If you can't tell the difference between the left and right item (like chopsticks) or they are mirror images (like shoes), use `双`.
The Pants Trap
Even though pants have two legs, Chinese sees them as one long, thin object. Use `条` (tiáo), not `双`!
The Rule in 30 Seconds
- Use `双` for identical pairs like shoes, socks, and chopsticks.
- The structure is Number + `双` + Noun.
- Always use `两` (liǎng) instead of `二` (èr) with `双`.
- Avoid using `双` for non-identical pairs or items like pants.
Overview
Welcome to the world of Chinese measure words! In English, we often say "a pair of." In Chinese, we use 双 (shuāng) for this. It is one of the most common measure words you will learn. It specifically describes things that naturally come in sets of two. Think of items that are identical or mirror images of each other. If you can't use one without the other, 双 is likely the right choice. It makes your Chinese sound natural and polished. Without it, you might sound like a robot or a confused traveler.
How This Grammar Works
Chinese nouns usually need a measure word when you count them. You cannot just say "two shoes" by putting a number and a noun together. You need a bridge between the number and the object. That bridge is the measure word. For pairs, that bridge is 双. It acts as a classifier for the noun. It tells the listener that the items belong together. It is like a grammar glue that holds the sentence together.
Formation Pattern
- 1Using
双follows a very strict and simple three-step recipe: - 2Start with a number or a demonstrative like
这(this) or那(that). - 3Add the measure word
双. - 4Finish with the noun you are counting.
- 5Example:
一(one) +双(pair) +鞋(shoes) =一双鞋. - 6Remember to use
两(liǎng) instead of二(èr) when saying "two pairs." You would say两双鞋, never二双鞋. That is a classic rookie mistake!
When To Use It
Use 双 for items that are identical and used together. The most common examples are footwear and accessories. Think about 鞋 (shoes), 袜 (socks), or 手套 (gloves). You also use it for eating utensils like 筷子 (chopsticks). You cannot eat easily with just one chopstick! It also applies to body parts that come in pairs. You have 一双眼睛 (a pair of eyes) and 一双手 (a pair of hands). Use it when you are shopping for clothes. Use it when describing someone's features. It is very common in daily life.
When Not To Use It
Do not use 双 for things that are not identical pairs. For example, pants have two legs, but we use 条 (tiáo). Glasses have two lenses, but we use 副 (fù). Do not use it for random groups of two. If you have two apples, use 个 (gè). 双 is reserved for things that are "soulmates." If the two items are different, like a cup and a saucer, 双 does not fit. Also, avoid using it for people unless you are being poetic.
Common Mistakes
Many people forget the measure word entirely. They say 二鞋, which sounds very strange to native speakers. Always remember the 双! Another mistake is using 二 instead of 两. In Chinese, 两 is for counting quantities, while 二 is for numbers in a series. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. 二 is red, 两 is green! Some people also use 双 for trousers. Just because there are two holes doesn't make it a 双. Stick to 条 for long, thin things like pants.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
You might see the word 对 (duì) and get confused. Both can mean "pair," but they have different vibes. 双 is for identical things like socks. 对 is for things that match or complement each other. For example, a married couple is 一对夫妻. They are two different people who go together. Earrings are often 一对, especially if they are fancy. 双 is more functional and everyday. 对 feels a bit more intentional or symbolic.
Quick FAQ
Q. Can I use 双 for shoes?
A. Yes, it is the most common use!
Q. Is it 二双 or 两双?
A. Always use 两双 when counting.
Q. Can I use it for eyes?
A. Yes, 一双眼睛 is perfect.
Q. What about a pair of pants?
A. No, use 条 for pants instead.
Reference Table
| Chinese Phrase | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 一双鞋 | yì shuāng xié | A pair of shoes |
| 两双袜 | liǎng shuāng wà | Two pairs of socks |
| 一双筷子 | yì shuāng kuàizi | A pair of chopsticks |
| 一双眼睛 | yì shuāng yǎnjing | A pair of eyes |
| 一双手 | yì shuāng shǒu | A pair of hands |
| 这双皮鞋 | zhè shuāng píxié | This pair of leather shoes |
| 那双袜子 | nà shuāng wàzi | That pair of socks |
The Mirror Test
If you can't tell the difference between the left and right item (like chopsticks) or they are mirror images (like shoes), use `双`.
The Pants Trap
Even though pants have two legs, Chinese sees them as one long, thin object. Use `条` (tiáo), not `双`!
Number Two Rule
When ordering 'two' of something with `双`, always say `两双` (liǎng shuāng). Saying `二双` is a dead giveaway that you're a beginner.
Lucky Pairs
In Chinese culture, pairs are often seen as lucky. Using `双` correctly shows you understand the importance of things coming in twos.
Exemplos
8我买了一双鞋。
Focus: 一双鞋
I bought a pair of shoes.
Standard use for footwear.
请给我一双筷子。
Focus: 一双筷子
Please give me a pair of chopsticks.
Common request in a restaurant.
她有一双漂亮的眼睛。
Focus: 一双眼睛
She has a pair of beautiful eyes.
Used for eyes as they are a natural pair.
这双袜子很舒服。
Focus: 这双
This pair of socks is very comfortable.
Using 'this' instead of a number.
✗ 二双鞋 → ✓ 两双鞋
Focus: 两双
Two pairs of shoes.
Always use 'liǎng' for the number two with measure words.
✗ 一个筷子 → ✓ 一双筷子
Focus: 一双
A pair of chopsticks.
Chopsticks must use 'shuāng' because they come in pairs.
这双全球限量版运动鞋非常贵。
Focus: 这双
This pair of limited edition sneakers is very expensive.
Used in a retail or high-end context.
他用一双手创造了奇迹。
Focus: 一双手
He created a miracle with his own two hands.
Idiomatic use of hands as a pair.
Teste-se
Choose the correct measure word for shoes.
我今天穿了新买的___鞋。
Shoes always come in identical pairs, so 'shuāng' is the correct measure word.
Select the correct way to say 'two pairs'.
服务员，请再给我___筷子。
When counting two of something with a measure word, we use 'liǎng' instead of 'èr'.
Identify the correct object for 'shuāng'.
桌子上有一双___。
Gloves (shǒutào) come in pairs. Pants (kùzi) use 'tiáo' and books (shū) use 'běn'.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
双 (Shuāng) vs. 对 (Duì)
Should I use 双?
Are there two of the item?
Are they identical or mirror images?
Is it clothing for the legs (pants)?
Shopping with 双
Footwear
- • 鞋 (Shoes)
- • 靴子 (Boots)
Accessories
- • 袜子 (Socks)
- • 手套 (Gloves)
Perguntas frequentes
22 perguntasIt is most commonly used for shoes, 一双鞋. You will use this every time you go shopping for footwear.
Yes, you can say 一双眼睛. It is a very common way to describe someone's eyes in Chinese.
Absolutely, 一双筷子 is the standard way to count them. Since you need both to eat, they are a perfect pair.
In Chinese grammar, pants are classified by their shape (long and thin), which uses 条. Even though they have two legs, they are considered one item.
双 is for identical items like socks. 对 is for items that match but aren't identical, like a husband and wife 一对夫妻.
No, you should say 两双. 两 is used for quantities, while 二 is for counting or sequences.
Yes, 一双手套 is correct. Gloves are mirror images and function as a pair.
Generally no, unless you are being poetic about a pair of twins. Usually, people use 个 or 位.
Earrings can use both, but 一对耳环 is more common if they are decorative. 一双 is more literal.
No, glasses use the measure word 副 (fù). This is used for sets or things with multiple parts like spectacles.
Yes, a bird has 一双翅膀. It sounds very natural in Chinese.
You say 这双 (zhè shuāng). For example, 这双鞋 means 'this pair of shoes'.
You say 那双 (nà shuāng). For example, 那双袜子 means 'that pair of socks'.
Yes, 一双手 is the standard way to refer to both of your hands as a set.
Then you don't use 双. You use 只 (zhī), as in 一只鞋.
It is used in both formal and informal speech. It is a standard, everyday measure word.
No, scissors use 把 (bǎ) because they have a handle. They aren't considered a 'pair' in the same way.
Yes, 一双袜子 is the only way to say a pair of socks. It is very common.
You can say 双胞胎 (shuāngbāotāi) for twins, but 双 itself isn't the measure word for the people.
Yes, you could use 一双踏板 because they are identical and come in a pair.
People will likely understand you, but it sounds like saying 'one shoes' in English. It's better to use 双!
Actually, arms usually use 只 for one or just 两只手 for both. 一双 is rarer for arms than for hands.
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