How to express "I used to have two dogs" in Chinese

 There are several ways to express "I used to have two dogs" in Chinese, each with slightly different nuances. Here are the most common and natural ways:

1. 我以前养过两只狗。 (Wǒ yǐqián yǎng guò liǎng zhī gǒu.)

• This is the most common and straightforward way.
• "以前 (yǐqián)" means "before" or "in the past."
• "养 (yǎng)" means "to raise" or "to keep (pets)."
• "过 (guò)" indicates a past experience.
• "两只 (liǎng zhī)" means "two (of animals)."
• "狗 (gǒu)" means "dog."

2. 以前我养过两条狗。 (Yǐqián wǒ yǎng guò liǎng tiáo gǒu.)

• This is also very common.
• "条 (tiáo)" is also a measure word for dogs, and many long thin animals.
• This is almost interchangeable with the first example.

3. 我曾经养过两只狗。 (Wǒ céngjīng yǎng guò liǎng zhī gǒu.)

• "曾经 (céngjīng)" also means "once" or "formerly."
• This is slightly more formal than "以前 (yǐqián)."

4. 我过去养过两只狗。 (Wǒ guòqù yǎng guò liǎng zhī gǒu.)

• "过去 (guòqù)" also means "in the past."
• This is also very similar to using “以前”

Which one to use:

• For everyday conversation, 我以前养过两只狗。 or 以前我养过两条狗。 are the most natural and recommended choices.
• 我曾经养过两只狗。 is suitable for slightly more formal situations.
• 我过去养过两只狗。 is also acceptable for everyday conversation, and is very similar to the first example.