Translation and Meaning of: 三つ - mitsu

The term 「三つ」, read as "mitsu", represents the number three in the Japanese counting system, especially when used to describe three objects. Its form in hiragana is 「みっつ」. The word derives from the combination of 「三」 (san) which means 'three' and the counting suffix 「つ」 (tsu), which is used to count items generically in the Japanese language, especially for small numbers up to ten.

Etymologically, 「三」 is a kanji originating from the Chinese language, where it also means 'three'. In Japanese, this kanji retains the same meaning. The use of 「つ」 as a generic counting suffix is a traditional way to count objects, without specifying the type of item, which dates back to the ancient counting system used in the language. The kunyomi reading of the kanji 三 is adapted as "mitsu" in a specific combination with 「つ」.

In the context of the Japanese language, there are various counting systems depending on the type of object being counted, such as hitotsu for one, futatsu for two, and the aforementioned mitsu for three. This method of counting is fundamental to the spoken and written language, indicating not only quantity but also familiarity and informality in dealing with everyday objects, as opposed to more formal or scientific numbers.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 三 (san) - 三 (さん)
• さんつ (santsu) - Three (native form, used in counting)
• みっつ (mittsu) - Three (ways of counting objects, emphasizing quantity)

三つ

Romaji: mitsu
Kana: みっつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: three

Meaning in English: three

Definition: 1. Japanese Dictionary: A book that explains the meaning and use of words. 2. Short: Brief, completed in a short period of time. 3. Definition: To clearly indicate the meaning or content of a word or thing.

Example Sentences - (三つ) mitsu

See below some example sentences:

三角形は三つの辺を持つ図形です。

Sankakukei wa mittsu no hen o motsu zukukei desu

A triangle is a figure with three sides.

A triangle is a figure with three sides.

• 三角形 - means "triangle" in Japanese
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 三つ - means "three" in Japanese
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 辺 - means "side" in Japanese
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 持つ - means "to have" or "to possess" in Japanese
• 図形 - means "geometric figure" in Japanese
• です - polite way of being or being in Japanese