Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'two people' depends on context, formality, and whether you are counting people or referring to a pair. The most common and versatile word is 二人 (futari), but other expressions exist for formal, written, or specific situations.
The most common way to say 'two people' in everyday conversation, suitable for most situations.
The standard, neutral word for 'two people'. Used in casual and polite contexts alike. It is the go-to counter for people when the number is two.
二人で映画を見に行った。
The two of us went to see a movie.
あそこに二人いるよ。
There are two people over there.
A more formal counter for people, often used in business, official documents, or when making reservations. It is polite and respectful.
ご予約は二名様ですね。
Your reservation is for two people, correct?
参加者は二名です。
There are two participants.
When counting people in a series or using the generic counter for people.
The specific counter for two people. Note that '一人' (hitori) is one person, '二人' (futari) is two, and from three onward it's regular: 三人 (sannin), 四人 (yonin), etc.
クラスに学生が二人います。
There are two students in the class.
Referring to two people as a pair, often with a sense of togetherness or a romantic couple.
Can also mean 'the two of us/them' as a pair, often implying a close relationship or a couple.
あの二人は付き合っている。
Those two are dating.
二人の関係は秘密だ。
Their relationship is a secret.
Loanword from English 'couple', specifically meaning a romantic couple. Not used for just any two people.
Loanword from English 'pair', used for pairs in games, sports, or matching items. Can refer to people but less common than 二人 for general pairs.
ペアを組んでください。
Please form pairs.
Emphasizing that something applies to both individuals in a group of two.
Means 'both people' or 'both of them'. Used when referring to two people together.
二人とも元気ですか？
Are both of you well?
二人とも合格した。
Both of them passed.
A formal term meaning 'both persons' or 'both parties', often used in legal, business, or competitive contexts.
The counter 二つ (futatsu) is for inanimate objects or abstract things, not for people. Using it for people sounds unnatural and potentially rude.
人が二ついます。
There are two people. (incorrect)
二人 (futari) is the default, everyday word. 二名 (nimei) is formal and used in business, official documents, or when showing respect to customers. In casual conversation, 二名 can sound stiff.
友達と二人で行く。
I'm going with a friend (two of us).
二名様でいらっしゃいますか？
Are you a party of two? (polite, e.g., at a restaurant)
公園にカップルがたくさんいた。
There were many couples in the park.
Let's hear the opinions of both parties.