two-way

/ˌtuː ˈweɪ/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈuwˌe] /ˌtuː ˈweɪ/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈuwˌe] /ˈtü-ˈwā How to pronounce two-way (audio)/ (ame, mw)

two-way — adjective

1. describing a road, street, or passage where vehicles or people can travel in opp

1.形容詞A2
釋義

describing a road, street, or passage where vehicles or people can travel in opposite directions at the same time.

例句

Apinya checked both sides before crossing the two-way street.

collocation: two-way street

The narrow bridge only allowed one car at a time on the two-way road.

同義詞
  • bidirectional

    more technical; used for data flow or movement in formal contexts

  • two-lane

    specifically refers to a road with one lane in each direction

反義詞
  • one-way

    allowing travel in only one direction

  • single-lane

    a road narrow enough for only one vehicle at a time

用法筆記

This sense is most common in traffic and transport contexts. The noun being modified is usually a type of route or passage.

常見錯誤

❌I drove on a two-way car
✅I drove on a two-way road.
💡'two-way' describes the road or lane, not the vehicle.

2. describing a communication device, especially a radio, that can both transmit an

2.形容詞B1
釋義

describing a communication device, especially a radio, that can both transmit and pick up signals rather than only send or only receive.

例句

The hikers took a two-way radio so they could stay in touch on the mountain.

collocation: two-way radio

Selim used his two-way radio to call for help when his truck broke down.

同義詞
  • transceiver

    the technical noun for a device that both transmits and receives

  • walkie-talkie

    informal term for a small handheld two-way radio

反義詞
  • one-way

    describes a radio that can only receive signals, not send them

  • receiver-only

    technical term for a device that receives but does not transmit

用法筆記

Frequently modifies 'radio'. In everyday speech the term 'walkie-talkie' is often used instead for small handheld devices.

常見錯誤

❌He called me on a two-way phone
✅He called me on a two-way radio.
💡Regular mobile phones are not called two-way because sending and receiving is assumed.

3. describing a connection, conversation, or arrangement where each participant con

3.形容詞B1
釋義

describing a connection, conversation, or arrangement where each participant contributes something and also receives something in return.

例句

A good friendship is a two-way relationship where both people give and receive support.

collocation: two-way relationship

Trang believes learning is a two-way process between the teacher and the students.

同義詞
  • mutual

    focuses on shared feelings or actions between people

  • reciprocal

    more formal; describes an arrangement where each side gives and receives something

  • collaborative

    emphasises working together to produce a result

反義詞
  • one-sided

    where only one person or group puts in effort

  • unilateral

    formal; done by one side without the agreement of the other

用法筆記

Often used with nouns describing interactions: relationship, communication, exchange, process, benefit. The figurative phrase 'a two-way street' is very common in informal and formal speech alike.

常見錯誤

❌The plan was a two-way agreement with just one person deciding.
✅The plan was a two-way agreement where both sides had a say.
💡A two-way arrangement requires input or action from both participants.