三角

• Pinyin: sān jiǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 三 = 三 (three — three horizontal strokes); 角 = 角 (horn/angle — originally a pictograph of an animal horn)

Meaning

Triangle; triangular; three-cornered. Refers to the geometric shape with three sides and three angles, and by extension anything having three parties or points.

Used in geometry (三角形 — triangle), relationships (三角恋 — love triangle), economics (三角债 — triangular debt), and geography (三角洲 — delta). Also appears in 铁三角 (iron triangle — a stable trio) and 百慕大三角 (Bermuda Triangle).

Examples

1. 长江三角洲地区是中国经济最发达、城市化水平最高的区域之一。 The Yangtze River Delta region is one of China’s most economically developed and highly urbanized areas.
2. 这部电视剧讲述了一段错综复杂的三角恋情，情节跌宕起伏，引人入胜。 This TV drama tells a tangled love triangle, with dramatic twists and turns that keep you hooked.
3. 学习三角函数是掌握高等数学的重要基础，需要扎实的几何知识作为铺垫。 Studying trigonometric functions is an important foundation for higher-level math, and it requires solid geometry as preparation.

Usage Guide

Context: geometry, relationships, geography, economics

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 长江三角洲城市群以上海为核心，辐射带动周边城市协同发展，形成了强大的经济集聚效应。(The Yangtze River Delta city cluster, with Shanghai as its core, radiates and drives the coordinated development of surrounding cities, forming a powerful economic agglomeration effect.)
• 陷入三角债务困境的企业之间相互拖欠款项，形成了一个难以打破的恶性循环。(Enterprises caught in the triangular debt dilemma owe each other money, forming a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.)

Don't Say

• 三角的关系 — while not incorrect, 三角关系 is more natural and idiomatic

Origin & History

三 (three) + 角 (angle/corner)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal