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.
The two of us went to see a movie.
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.
Your reservation is for two people, correct?
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.
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.
Those two are dating.
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.
Emphasizing that something applies to both individuals in a group of two.
The counter 二つ (futatsu) is for inanimate objects or abstract things, not for people. Using it for people sounds unnatural and potentially rude.
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.
I'm going with a friend (two of us).
Are you a party of two? (polite, e.g., at a restaurant)
We are two people.
Natural when stating the number of people in your group.
A table for two, please.
At a restaurant, simply saying '二人です' is enough to indicate the number of people.
Their relationship is a secret.
公園にカップルがたくさんいた。
There were many couples in the park.
Please form pairs.
Both of them passed.
両者の意見を聞きましょう。
Let's hear the opinions of both parties.