両端(りょうたん)

The two opposite ends of something, whether physical or abstract.

Forms

両(りょう) (both) + 端(たん) (end/edge)

Pronunciation

The standard reading is りょうたん. The reading りょうはし is also heard in casual speech.

Common patterns

• 両端(りょうたん)を持(も)つ: to hold both ends
• 両端(りょうたん)から: from both ends
• 両端(りょうたん)に: at both ends
• 両端(りょうたん)を切(き)る: to cut both ends

Related words

• 片端(かたはし): one end
• 先端(せんたん): tip, cutting edge
• 端(はし)/端(はた): edge, end

Used for physical objects (ropes, bridges, tables, corridors) and abstractly for extremes of a range or spectrum.