三

The kanji 三 represents the number “three” and is constructed with three simple horizontal strokes. Its simplicity in both writing and meaning makes it one of the fundamental kanji learned in the earliest stages of Japanese study.

Core Meanings and Usage

The character 三 is used in various contexts:

• Basic number: “three” (三)
• In ordinals: “third” (第三)
• In counting and measurements
• As part of compound numbers

Common Expressions and Phrases

Time and Calendar Use

三時 (さんじ, sanji) - 3 o’clock 三分 (さんぷん, sampun) - three minutes 三週間 (さんしゅうかん, sanshūkan) - three weeks 三年生 (さんねんせい, sannensei) - third-year student

Daily Life Applications

三角 (さんかく, sankaku) - triangle 三日月 (みかづき, mikazuki) - crescent moon 三色 (さんしょく, sanshoku) - three colors 三味線 (しゃみせん, shamisen) - three-stringed traditional instrument

Special Readings

Some compounds using 三 have unique readings to remember:

1. Days of the month:

   • 三日 (みっか, mikka) - third day/three days

2. Counting objects:

   • 三つ (みっつ, mittsu) - three things
   • 三人 (さんにん, sannin) - three people

Writing and Stroke Order

The stroke order for 三 follows a simple top-to-bottom sequence:

1. Top horizontal stroke
2. Middle horizontal stroke
3. Bottom horizontal stroke

Tips for writing:

• Keep strokes parallel
• Maintain even spacing between strokes
• Bottom stroke typically slightly longer than others

Kanji in Context

Example uses in various situations:

1. Business and Education:

   • 第三者 (だいさんしゃ, daisansha) - third party
   • 三学期 (さんがっき, sangakki) - third semester

2. Everyday Life:

   • 三食 (さんしょく, sanshoku) - three meals
   • 三つ星 (みつぼし, mitsuboshi) - three stars (rating)

3. Measurements and Time:

   • 三時間 (さんじかん, sanjikan) - three hours
   • 三メートル (さんメートル, san mētoru) - three meters