Translation and Meaning of: 三 - san

The Japanese word 三[さん] is one of the most fundamental terms for anyone learning the language. Representing the number "three," it appears constantly in daily life, in counting, expressions, and even in cultural contexts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as curiosities that help to understand how the Japanese use this word in their everyday lives.

If you have already studied Japanese, you know that 三[さん] is essential for forming basic sentences, from ages to quantities. But is there more behind this simple numeral? Here at Suki Nihongo, we dive into the details so that you not only memorize but also deeply understand how this word works in the Japanese language and culture.

Meaning and origin of 三 [さん]

三[さん] is the on'yomi reading (of Chinese origin) of the kanji that represents the number three. Its writing is simple, consisting of three horizontal strokes, which facilitates visual memorization. Interestingly, this simplicity reflects a common characteristic in numerical kanjis: the more basic the concept, the more direct its graphical representation tends to be.

In ancient times, the Japanese already used different counting systems for objects, people, and animals. Although 三[さん] is the standard form today, in some regional dialects it is still possible to find variations. The pronunciation "san" has solidified as the most widespread, but in formal or mathematical contexts, other readings may arise.

Everyday use and common expressions

In modern Japanese, 三[さん] appears in everyday situations, such as when telling time (三時 - sanji, "three o'clock") or ages (三歳 - sansai, "three years old"). It is also commonly found in combinations like 三人 (sannin, "three people") and 三つ (mittsu, "three things"). Observing these patterns helps to solidify not only the numeral but also important grammatical structures.

In addition to literal uses, 三[さん] integrates idiomatic expressions and proverbs. An example is 三度目の正直 (sando-me no shōjiki), which suggests that the third attempt is the one that brings success. This type of construction reveals how numbers carry symbolic meanings in Japanese culture, going beyond simple quantification.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective strategy to remember 三[さん] is to associate its three strokes with the value it represents. Some students create sentences like "There are three strokes for three things," using the similarity with Portuguese. Another tip is to practice with dates: the month of March (三月 - sangatsu) can serve as a mental anchor.

In pop culture, 三[さん] frequently appears in anime titles, songs, and even character names. Its presence in works like "Samurai Champloo" (where "san" is also an honorific suffix) creates opportunities for contextual learning. Paying attention to these details enriches vocabulary in a natural and fun way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 参 (san) - three, also used to indicate addition and reference to something
• 參 (san) - traditional version of three, used in more formal or cultural contexts
• 弎 (san) - variant of three, generally less common and more literary
• 叁 (san) - another form of three, used in specific contexts such as counting

三

Romaji: san
Kana: さん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: (Num) three

Meaning in English: (num) three

Definition: One of the numbers. A generic term for two and one.

Example Sentences - (三) san

See below some example sentences:

衣食住は人間の三大欲求です。

Ishokujuu wa ningen no sandai yokkyuu desu

Clothing

Clothing and shelter are the three main needs of human beings.

• 衣食住 - clothing, food, and housing
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possession particle
• 三 - three
• 大 - large
• 欲求 - desire, necessity
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

対辺は三角形の辺の一つです。

Taiben wa sankakkei no hen no hitotsu desu

The hypotenuse is one side of the triangle.

The opposite is one of the triangles.

• 対辺 - means "opposite side" in Japanese, referring to the opposite side of an angle in a triangle.
• 三角形 - Means "triangle" in Japanese.
• 辺 - means "side" in Japanese, referring to one side of a triangle.
• 一つ - means "one" in Japanese, indicating that the side mentioned is one of the sides of the triangle.
• です - is a Japanese particle that indicates a statement or statement.

再三お願いします。

Saisan onegaishimasu

Please ask again.

I would like to ask again.

• 再三 - repeatedly, several times
• お願いします - please, I ask you

三日月が輝く夜空は美しいです。

Mikazuki ga kagayaku yozora wa utsukushii desu

The night when the crescent moon shines is beautiful.

The night sky where the crescent moon shines is beautiful.

• 三日月 - means "crescent moon" and is represented by the ideogram 三日月.
• が - grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "crescent moon".
• 輝く - verb that means "to shine" and is represented by the ideogram 輝く.
• 夜空 - means "night sky" and is represented by the characters 夜空.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "night sky".
• 美しい - adjective that means "beautiful" and is represented by the ideogram 美しい.
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence.

三人の友達と一緒に遊ぶ。

Mittsu no tomodachi to issho ni asobu

Play with three friends.

Play with three friends.

• 三人 - three people
• の - Possession particle
• 友達 - friends
• と - connecting particle
• 一緒に - together
• 遊ぶ - Play

三味線を弾くのが好きです。

Sanmisen wo hiku no ga suki desu

I like to play shamisen.

I like to play the Shamisen.

• 三味線 - Japanese three-stringed musical instrument
• を - object particle
• 弾く - play (an instrument)
• のが - particle indicating the action of liking something
• 好き - like
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

三人で行く。

San nin de iku

Let's go in three people.

Go with three people.

• 三人 - means "three people" in Japanese.
• で - it is a particle that indicates the medium or the place where something happens.
• 行く - means "go" in Japanese.

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

三日間休みが欲しいです。

Mikka kan yasumi ga hoshii desu

I want three days off.

I want a three-day break.

• 三日間 (mikakan) - "三日" em japonês significa "três dias".
• 休み (yasumi) - It means "holiday" or "rest" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 欲しい (hoshii) - Japanese verb that means "to want" or "to desire"
• です (desu) - Japanese copula that indicates the present tense and the formality of the sentence.

日本の首相は安倍晋三です。

O primeiro

Minister of Japan is Shinzo Abe

The Japanese Prime Minister is Shinzo Abe.

• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 首相 - Prime Minister
• は - Topic particle
• 安倍晋三 - Shinzo Abe (name of the current Japanese Prime Minister)
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense