Japanese · Numbers & Time
三
san
Three
Beginnernumeral
Definition
The number three. Considered a lucky number in some Japanese contexts.
Example
三時に待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet at three o'clock.
Etymology
The numeral '三' (san) has roots in ancient Chinese numerals, brought to Japan via cultural exchange. In Japanese, it has consistently represented the number three since its adoption.
How & Where It’s Used
'三' (san) is used in both formal and informal contexts, common in everyday speech and writing. It appears in various counting systems, such as in age, quantity, and ordinal numbers.