Translation and Meaning of: 二つ - futatsu

The word 「二つ」 (futatsu) is a Japanese expression used to indicate the number two, specifically when counting objects in Japanese. This term is part of a native Japanese counting system that differs from the Sino-Japanese system, which uses numbers based on Chinese characters. The native counting is often used for small numbers and indivisible objects.

Etymologically, 「二つ」 decomposes into two fundamental elements: the kanji 「二」 which represents the number two and the suffix 「つ」 that is used in the generic counting of objects. This counting system is deep in Japanese culture and is taught and used from a young age, making it crucial for fluency in the language. Interestingly, the suffix 「つ」 is essential in this counting to differentiate from the Sino-Japanese system, where the suffix is not used and numbers are represented as 「二」.

Using 「二つ」 demonstrates familiarity with the native language and the cultural nuances of counting. This term is especially common in informal contexts and everyday speech. For someone learning Japanese, understanding the significance and usage of 「二つ」 and its siblings, such as 「ひとつ」 (hitotsu for one), 「みっつ」 (mittsu for three), and so on, is vital for cultural and linguistic acuity.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 二個 (nikko) - two units (usually used for countable items)
• 二つの (futatsu no) - two (used to describe something that has two parts or two quantities)
• 二つのもの (futatsu no mono) - two things (can refer to things in general)
• ふたつ (futatsu) - two (native form, used in counting objects in general)
• 二つの物 (futatsu no mono) - two things (equivalent to 二つのもの, but can emphasize the physical aspect)

二つ

Romaji: futatsu
Kana: ふたつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: two

Meaning in English: two

Definition: 1. A Japanese dictionary is a book that explains the meaning and usage of Japanese words and expressions. 2. It contains vocabulary and phrases and explains their meanings, how to read and how to use them.

Example Sentences - (二つ) futatsu

See below some example sentences:

二つのりんごを食べました。

Futatsu no ringo wo tabemashita

I ate two apples.

I ate two apples.

• 二つの (futatsu no) - two
• りんご (ringo) - apples
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 食べました (tabemashita) - ate

このパンを二つに割ってください。

Kono pan wo futatsu ni waratte kudasai

Please divide this bread into two pieces.

Divide this bread in two.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• パン - noun meaning "bread"
• を - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 二つ - numeral meaning "two"
• に - particle indicating the destination or place where the action takes place
• 割って - verb "割る" conjugated in the imperative, meaning "to divide"
• ください - verb "くださる" conjugated in the imperative, meaning "please"

この二つの会社は合同して新しいプロジェクトを始めます。

Kono futatsu no kaisha wa gōdō shite atarashii purojekuto o hajimemasu

These two companies start a new project together.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 二つ - numeral meaning "two"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 会社 - noun meaning "company"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 合同して - compound verb meaning "to unite" or "to come together"
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 始めます - verb meaning "to begin"

二つの人を結び付ける力は愛です。

Futatsu no hito wo musubi tsukeru chikara wa ai desu

The power to connect two people is love.

• 二つの人を結び付ける力 - the force that unites two people
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 愛 - love
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

二つの物が等しいです。

Futatsu no mono ga hitoshii desu

The two objects are the same.

Two things are the same.

• 二つの物 - means "two objects" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 等しい - It means "equal" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate the existence or state of something.

彼女の心は真っ二つに割れた。

Kanojo no kokoro wa maffutatsu ni wareta

Her heart broke in two.

• 彼女 - She
• の - 's (possessive particle)
• 心 - heart
• は - Topic particle
• 真っ二つ - divided in two
• に - Location particle
• 割れた - Broken