What “4 d 3” and “2 l” mean, depending on context

In most real‑world contexts, “4 d 3” is likely shorthand that depends on the field: it most commonly appears as “4d3” in tabletop gaming (roll four three‑sided dice) or as “4/d × 3 d” in medical notes (four times per day for three days). “2 l” typically means 2 liters in metric units, but in other settings it can mean a second‑year law student (2L) or 2 liters per minute of oxygen in clinical notes. Exact meaning hinges on where you saw it and the surrounding words or symbols.

Common interpretations you might encounter

The phrases “4 d 3” and “2 l” are used in different fields with distinct meanings. The items below outline the most frequent, credible interpretations and when they apply.

• Tabletop gaming/probability: “4d3” means roll four three‑sided dice and sum the results.
• Medical/dosing shorthand: “4/d × 3 d” can mean four times per day for three days; “2 L” often denotes 2 liters (e.g., IV fluids) or oxygen flow (2 L/min).
• Measurement (SI units): “l” or “L” is the liter; “2 l” is two liters. “d” can denote day in technical contexts (e.g., 4 d = four days).
• Travel/itinerary slang: “4D3N” means four days and three nights; a cropped “4 d 3” might be an incomplete reference to this format.
• Education (law school): “2L” means a second‑year law student in the U.S. system.
• Chess notation: “4.d3” is move four, d3 (White plays the pawn to d3); spacing like “4 d 3” sometimes appears in casual text.
• Obstetric shorthand (region‑specific): Notations like G4P3L2D1 record pregnancies, births, living children, and deaths; “L2” and “D3” could appear, but “4 d 3” by itself is not standard.

Because the same letters and numbers recur across domains, any correct interpretation depends on the document type, capitalization, punctuation, and neighboring terms.

How to tell which meaning applies

Use the quick checks below to resolve ambiguity. They’re ordered from the fastest visual clues to broader contextual cues.

1. Check capitalization and punctuation: “4d3” (no spaces) is classic dice notation; “4.d3” is chess; “2 L” (capital L) is typical in clinical or SI usage; “2L” (no space) can be law‑school jargon.
2. Look for units and qualifiers nearby: “/d” (per day), “× 3 d,” “L/min,” “IV,” “O₂,” or “ml” indicate medical/measurement; “roll,” “damage,” or “dice” signal gaming.
3. Consider the source: A game rulebook or online RPG forum suggests dice; a prescription, chart note, or hospital record suggests dosing or liters; a travel brochure suggests “4D3N.”
4. Sanity‑check the fit: If reading a recipe or hydration guide, “2 l” = 2 liters makes sense; in a law‑school schedule, “meet with 2L mentors” clearly means second‑years.

If more than one reading seems plausible, prioritize the one consistent with the document’s purpose and the other terms on the page.

Examples by context

Gaming/probability

“4d3” means roll four three‑sided dice (values 1–3 each) and add the results. Average outcome is 8 (since each die averages 2), with a range of 4–12.

Medical notes and dosing

“4/d × 3 d” or “q.i.d. × 3 d” indicates taking a medication four times a day for three days. Separately, “2 L O₂ via NC” means 2 liters per minute of oxygen delivered by nasal cannula. In fluids, “2 L IV NS” means 2 liters of normal saline intravenously.

Measurement (SI) and everyday use

“2 l” or “2 L” is simply two liters (e.g., 2 L of water or soda). In technical writing, “d” can denote “day,” so “4 d” = four days, though writing “4 days” is clearer for general audiences.

Travel itineraries

Packages are commonly labeled “4D3N” for four days and three nights. If you saw “4 d 3” in a travel context, it may be a truncated or loosely typed reference to that format.

Education (law school)

In U.S. law schools, “1L,” “2L,” and “3L” denote first‑, second‑, and third‑year students. Thus “meet a 2L” refers to a second‑year law student, not liters.

Chess notation

Algebraic notation like “4.d3” indicates that on move 4, White plays the pawn to the d3 square. Casual spacing may render it as “4 d 3.”

Summary

“4 d 3” and “2 l” are not single, universal codes. The most common readings are “4d3” (roll four three‑sided dice) and “2 l/L” (two liters), with medical usage extending to dosing schedules and oxygen flow rates, and other fields (law school, travel, chess) using similar characters for different meanings. Check capitalization, spacing, units, and the source document to select the correct interpretation.

What does L2 mean on a car?

In a car, “L2” can mean “Low gear, 2nd gear” on an automatic transmission’s gear selector, indicating the car will stay in the first two gears for better torque, or it can refer to “Level 2 charging” for an electric vehicle, a relatively fast charging method that can fully charge a car overnight. The specific meaning depends on whether the context is the transmission or electric vehicle charging. 
L2 on an Automatic Transmission 

• Function: This setting restricts the transmission to the lowest two gears (1st and 2nd) instead of automatically shifting through all gears. 
• Purpose: It provides higher torque and engine braking, which is useful for: 
  • Climbing steep hills or inclines. 
  • Descending steep hills. 
  • Starting with a heavy load. 
  • Driving in mud or sand to maintain traction. 
• How to Use: Select “L” or “2” when you need more power or control, but remember to return to “D” (Drive) when you are on a level road to allow the transmission to shift to higher gears. 

L2 in Electric Vehicle Charging 

• Function: “Level 2” charging uses a higher voltage and amperage compared to “Level 1” charging, resulting in a significantly faster charging rate. 
• Purpose: It’s designed for convenient overnight charging at home or at public charging stations. 
• How to Use: Plug the charging cable into your car and a Level 2 (L2) EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). 

What does D4, D3, 2 and 1 mean?

In a car with an automatic transmission, D4, D3, 2, and 1 are gear selection modes that limit the transmission to a maximum number of gears. D4 is for normal driving, allowing the transmission to use all available gears, while D3 limits the car to the first three gears. The 2 position limits the car to the first two gears, and 1 locks the transmission into only first gear, providing maximum torque for tough situations like steep hills or heavy towing.
 
D4: Normal Driving

• Function: This is your default “Drive” mode for general driving. 
• Use Case: Normal city and highway driving, allowing the transmission to shift through all its gears for optimal fuel efficiency and performance. 

D3: City/Hilly Driving

• Function: Limits the transmission to a maximum of third gear. 
• Use Cases:
  • City driving: Reduces the frequency of shifts between third and fourth gear. 
  • Hilly terrain: Provides more engine braking and power when going uphill. 
  • Towing: Helps control the vehicle by preventing the transmission from shifting into higher, less powerful gears. 

2: Steep Hills or Low Traction

• Function: Locks the transmission to only the first and second gears. 
• Use Cases:
  • Steep hills: Provides more power and control for climbing. 
  • Slippery conditions: Prevents wheel spin by limiting torque. 
  • Engine braking: Offers significant engine braking when descending steep slopes. 

1 (or L): Maximum Power/Control

• Function: Locks the transmission into first gear only. 
• Use Cases:
  • Very steep inclines: Offers maximum torque and power for extreme uphill climbs. 
  • Heavy towing: Provides the necessary strength to move a heavy load. 
  • Difficult terrains: Ideal for navigating rough terrain like sand or mud. 

What does 2L mean on gear shift?

In an automatic car, ‘L’ stands for “Low gear” and restricts the vehicle to only first gear, providing maximum torque for steep inclines, heavy loads, or rough terrain. ‘2’ is also a low gear setting, but it allows the car to shift between first and second gear, offering a bit more speed than ‘L’ while still providing extra power and control on hills or loose surfaces. Both gears are useful for maintaining momentum and preventing the transmission from shifting to higher, less powerful gears that could cause loss of traction or power.
 
When to use ‘L’ (Low/First Gear)

• Very steep hills: To maintain consistent, low-speed crawling power with maximum torque. 
• Heavy loads: When pulling a trailer or carrying a very heavy load up a hill. 
• Rough terrain: For navigating muddy, sandy, or icy conditions where traction is poor. 
• Slow crawling: To keep the vehicle’s speed very low in situations like parking garages or very slow-moving traffic on a steep incline. 

When to use ‘2’ (Second Gear)

• Steep hills: When you need more speed than ‘L’ provides but still require more climbing power than the “D” (Drive) gear offers. 
• Downhill braking: To control speed without constantly riding the brakes, as it will keep the car in second gear or lower. 
• Slightly more than ‘L’: For situations that need a bit more momentum or speed than ‘L’ allows, but are still too demanding for the “D” gear. 

Important Considerations

• Modern vs. Older Cars: Opens in new tabIn older cars, the ‘L’ and ‘2’ settings would lock the transmission in that gear until you manually shifted to a higher gear. Modern cars may automatically up-shift if the engine revs get too high to prevent damage, even in ‘L’ or ‘2’ mode. 
• Switch back to Drive: Opens in new tabAfter the difficult terrain or situation is over, remember to switch back to the ‘D’ (Drive) setting for normal driving. 

What is D3, D2, and L in automatic transmission?

In an automatic transmission, D1/L (Low) keeps the car in a very low gear (1st gear) for maximum power and control, ideal for very steep hills or heavy towing. D2 limits the car to 1st and 2nd gears, offering good engine braking for steep or slippery roads. D3 restricts the transmission to the first three gears, providing more controlled engine braking and power for situations like heavy rain or passing.
 
This video explains the different gear modes in an automatic transmission: 1mTA Automotive technologyYouTube · Jan 23, 2025
D1 / L (Low)

• Function: Locks the transmission into 1st gear, providing the most torque and pulling power. 
• When to Use:
  • Very steep inclines and declines. 
  • Towing heavy loads. 
  • Rough or difficult terrain. 

D2

• Function: Restricts the transmission to 1st and 2nd gears, offering more engine braking and control than the standard “D” mode. 
• When to Use:
  • Steep hills, whether ascending or descending. 
  • Slippery or icy roads to prevent wheel spin and maintain control. 

D3

• Function: Prevents the transmission from shifting into higher gears, keeping it limited to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. 
• When to Use:
  • Hilly terrain where more engine braking is beneficial. 
  • Heavy rainfall or other low-traction conditions. 
  • When towing a heavy load, as it helps manage speed and power. 

How to Use These Modes
These modes allow you to manually control the gear range for specific conditions, providing more power, stability, and engine braking compared to the normal “D” (Drive) mode, which uses all available gears.