In 15 Seconds
- The polite way to say 'two people' in service settings.
- Uses the respectful measure word 'wèi' instead of 'gè'.
- Essential for restaurant entries and making reservations.
Meaning
This is the go-to way to say 'two people' when you are at a restaurant or a shop. It sounds much more polite and natural than just saying the number two.
Key Examples
3 of 6Entering a busy restaurant
你好，两位。
Hello, two people.
Making a dinner reservation
我想订一个两位的桌子。
I would like to book a table for two.
Introducing two new colleagues
这两位是我的同事。
These two are my colleagues.
Cultural Background
Using '位' is standard in all cities. Similar usage, very polite.
Be polite
Always use '位' for people to sound like a local.
In 15 Seconds
- The polite way to say 'two people' in service settings.
- Uses the respectful measure word 'wèi' instead of 'gè'.
- Essential for restaurant entries and making reservations.
What It Means
两位 (liǎng wèi) is how you tell a host or server there are two of you. In Chinese, you rarely just say a number alone. You need a 'measure word' to make it sound complete. While 个 (gè) is the general measure word, 位 (wèi) is the 'VIP' version. It shows respect to the people you are counting. It is basically the difference between saying 'two heads' and 'two guests.'
How To Use It
When you walk into a place, the host will usually ask how many people are in your party. You just hold up two fingers and say 两位. You can also add 一共 (yígòng) at the start to say 'Two in total.' If you want to be extra polite, add 谢谢 (xièxie) at the end. It is short, punchy, and makes you sound like you know the local etiquette. Don't worry about complex grammar here. In this context, these two words are a full sentence.
When To Use It
Use this every time you enter a restaurant, cafe, or cinema. It is perfect for booking a table over the phone too. If a waiter is looking for your group in a crowd, call this out. It works when introducing two colleagues to a boss. It is also great for clarifying a reservation. Basically, use it whenever you are counting people in a social or professional setting.
When NOT To Use It
Never use 两位 to count yourself and a friend when you are alone. It sounds like you are giving yourself a promotion! Do not use it for children or family members in a very casual home setting. In those cases, 两个 (liǎng gè) is much more natural. Also, avoid using it for people you dislike. Using a respectful measure word for someone you are arguing with feels sarcastic. Stick to 两个 if you are annoyed.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a huge emphasis on 'face' and social hierarchy. The word 位 (wèi) literally means 'position' or 'status.' By using it, you are acknowledging the person's place in the world. It is a small verbal bow. Interestingly, servers will almost always use 位 for you. It is their way of providing 'service with a smile' through language. It makes the atmosphere feel more refined and welcoming.
Common Variations
If you are with a larger group, just swap the number. 三位 (sān wèi) for three, 四位 (sì wèi) for four. If you want to ask 'How many people?' you say 几位? (jǐ wèi). If you are feeling fancy, you can say 两位大人 (liǎng wèi dàrén) for 'two adults.' If you are at a very high-end place, you might hear 两位贵宾 (liǎng wèi guìbīn), meaning 'two honored guests.'
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-polite expression. It's the standard 'goldilocks' phrase—not too stiff, not too casual. Use it with confidence in any service environment.
Be polite
Always use '位' for people to sound like a local.
Examples
6你好，两位。
Hello, two people.
The standard way to announce your arrival to a host.
我想订一个两位的桌子。
I would like to book a table for two.
Used here as an adjective to describe the table size.
这两位是我的同事。
These two are my colleagues.
Shows respect to your coworkers during an introduction.
请问是两位吗？
Are there two of you, please?
The waiter uses 'wèi' to be polite to the customers.
我们一共两位，你们呢？
There are two of us, how about you?
Slightly formal for a text, but very clear.
这两位大老板想吃什么？
What would these two 'big bosses' like to eat?
Using 'wèi' here adds a layer of playful sarcasm.
Test Yourself
Which is the most polite way to say 'two people'?
A: 二个, B: 两位
位 is the polite classifier for people.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesA: 二个, B: 两位
位 is the polite classifier for people.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is polite and works for anyone.
Related Phrases
几位
builds onHow many people?
