2 in Cantonese = 二 (yi⁶)

The number 2 in Cantonese is 二 (yi) pronounced "yee" with a low level tone (tone 6).

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Yi (二) with tone 6:

• Say "yee" (like "ee" in "see" with "y")
• Keep pitch low and level (tone 6)
• Low flat tone - steady low pitch

Cantonese tone 6:

• Low level tone (22)
• Keep voice at low pitch
• Don't let it rise or fall
• Lower than mid-range

Common mistakes:

• Not keeping tone low enough
• Making it rise or fall
• Confusing with tone 4 (which falls)

Alternative: 兩 (loeng⁵)

Important note: Cantonese commonly uses 兩 (loeng⁵) instead of 二 (yi⁶) in many contexts:

Use 二 (yi⁶):

• Counting: 一、二、三
• Reading numbers: 22, 32, 42
• Phone numbers
• Dates: 二月 (February)

Use 兩 (loeng⁵):

• With measure words: 兩個 (two items)
• Prices: 兩蚊 (two dollars)
• Most everyday contexts

Practical Usage

Counting: 一、二、三... (yat¹, yi⁶, saam¹...) Phone numbers: 2 = 二 (yi⁶) Prices: $2 = 兩蚊 (loeng⁵ man¹) Times: 2:00 = 兩點 (loeng⁵ dim²) Dates: 2nd = 二號 (yi⁶ hou⁶)

Common Phrases

第二 (dai⁶ yi⁶): Second 兩個 (loeng⁵ go³): Two (items) 兩次 (loeng⁵ ci³): Twice

Quick Takeaways

• 2 = 二 (yi⁶) or 兩 (loeng⁵)
• Tone 6: low level tone
• Use 兩 with measure words
• Use 二 in counting/phone numbers
• Jyutping: yi⁶

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Cantonese.