1.
two sizes (bigger or smaller); much larger/smaller
Used to describe a noticeable difference in size, typically saying something is two sizes bigger or smaller than expected or than something else.
彼は私より二回り大きい。
He's two sizes bigger than me.
ダイエットで二回り小さくなった。
I became two sizes smaller from dieting.
二回り大きいサイズの靴を買ってしまった。
I accidentally bought shoes two sizes too big.
2.
two cycles of the zodiac; 24 years apart
In the Chinese zodiac system, one cycle is 12 years. Two cycles means a 24-year age difference.
二回り年上の人と結婚した。
She married someone 24 years older.
二回り違うと同じ干支になる。
If there's a two-cycle difference, you have the same zodiac sign.
二回り下の後輩と一緒に働いている。
I'm working with a junior colleague who is 24 years younger.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is very common in everyday speech when comparing sizes. Sense 2 relates to the 干支 (Chinese zodiac), where one full cycle is 12 years. Compare with 一回り (one size; 12 years apart).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 二回り大きい (two sizes bigger)
- 二回り小さい (two sizes smaller)
- 二回り年上 (24 years older)
- 二回り年下 (24 years younger)