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:

早起きは三文の得。

Hayaoi wa sanmon no toku

Waking up early is worth more than three coins.

The early bird gets the worm.

• 早起き - 「早起きする」 (hayaoki suru)
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 三文 - "三文" significa "three coins" em japonês, mas é usado para se referir a algo de pouco valor ou baixo custo.
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 得 - The term "ganho" or "benefício" in Japanese can be translated as 利益 (りえき, rieki).

犬が三匹います。

Inu ga sanbiki imasu

I have three dogs.

There are three dogs.

• 犬 (inu) - It means "puppy" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 三 (san) - numeral that means "three"
• 匹 (hiki) - counting unit for small animals, such as dogs and cats
• います (imasu) - verb that means "to exist" or "to have" in Japanese