三

• Pinyin: sān
• Hanzi breakdown: 三 = three horizontal lines representing the number three

Meaning

Three. The number three.

One of the basic Chinese numerals. In Chinese culture, three holds special significance — there is a saying 事不过三 (things don't happen more than three times). Used in counting, dates, addresses, and many common expressions like 三月 (March) and 星期三 (Wednesday).

Examples

1. 我有三本书。 I have three books.
2. 他们一家三口人。 Their family has three people.
3. 现在三点了。 It's three o'clock now.

Usage Guide

Context: numbers, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我买了三个苹果。(I bought three apples.)
• 今天星期三。(Today is Wednesday.)

Don't Say

• 三月份三号。(Redundant — say 三月三号 or 三月三日, dropping the 份 for conciseness)

Origin & History

One of the simplest and most ancient characters — three horizontal strokes representing the number three, following the pattern of 一 (one) and 二 (two).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal