Japanese word

両方とも

Pronunciation

Romajiryōhōtomo

Meaning

  • adverbboth

Example

りんごとバナナは両方とも好きです。ri n go to ba na na wa ryō hō to mo su ki de su

I like both apples and bananas.

Illustration for 両方とも (both)

More examples

二つの案を比べましたが、両方ともよいと思います。futa tsu no an o kura be ma shi ta ga ryō hō to mo yo i to omo i ma su

I compared the two ideas, and I think both are good.

Core concept

It includes each of the two relevant people or things instead of selecting only one.

Common phrases

  • 両方とも好きryō hō to mo su ki

    like both

  • 両方とも必要ryō hō to mo hitsu yō

    need both

Similar words

どちらもdochiramo: Shows that both items under consideration have the stated quality or take part in the stated action.
どっちもdotchimo: Shows in casual speech that both of two items have the stated quality or take part in the action.
ともにtomoni: Describes two people or things as sharing the same action, condition, or quality.

Definition in Japanese

二つあるものをともに取り上げるさま。futa tsu a ru mo no o to mo ni to ri a ge ru sa ma

Word origin

両方 (ryōhō, "both sides") is formed from 両 (ryō, "both") and 方 (hō, "side"), and とも (tomo, "also") adds the sense of including both sides.

Usage tips

  • English contrasts both with either: both includes the two members of a pair, whereas either selects one member, so 両方とも (ryōhōtomo) marks the inclusive meaning.

Opposites

Word lists with this word