Meaning and Usage
"両方" (りょうほう) means "both sides" or "both parties." It is commonly used to refer to two things, people, or options together. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Common Collocations
- 両方とも (りょうほうとも): both of them, emphasizing inclusion of both
- 両方の意見 (りょうほうのいけん): opinions from both sides
- 両方に当てはまる (りょうほうにあてはまる): applies to both
Usage Notes
When using "両方," you often talk about two distinct items or groups. It can be used with nouns, and often appears with particles like とも or の to clarify the relationship.
A common learner mistake is confusing "両方" with "両方とも." The latter emphasizes "both of them" more explicitly, but both are correct depending on context.
Register
"両方" is neutral and widely used in everyday conversation, business, and writing. It is polite enough for formal situations but also common in casual speech.