also: りょうはし · りょうはじ
both ends; either end; both edges
Used for the two ends or edges of a line-like, long, flat, or bounded object. In context it may refer to things located at each of the two ends.
ロープの両端をしっかり結んだ。
I tied both ends of the rope tightly.
橋の両端に警備員が立っている。
Security guards are standing at both ends of the bridge.
double-mindedness; sitting on the fence
Only with reading りょうたん
Rare abstract use, especially in the fixed literary expression 両端を持する, meaning to avoid taking a clear side. This sense is restricted to the reading りょうたん.
「両端を持する」は、どちらにもはっきり味方しない態度をいう。
両端を持する refers to an attitude of not clearly siding with either side.
I held both ends of the towel and pulled.
I tied both ends of the rope together to make a loop.
Both ends of this rod are rounded.
He took a fence-sitting stance during the debate.
両端 refers to the two ends (extremities) of something, while 両側 refers to the two lateral sides, so they describe different parts of an object.
両端 means 'both ends' (the two extremities of something), whereas 両脇 means 'both sides/flanks', so they describe different parts of an object.
Attested alternate reading for the physical sense; included mainly for lookup.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling marked search-only; normally write 両端.