Definitions
Etymology
Three horizontal strokes, representing the number three.
About
The character 三 consists of three horizontal strokes stacked vertically, directly representing the number three. Like 一 and 二, it began as a simple tally mark, with each stroke counting one item. In traditional Chinese thought, it also symbolized the cosmic triad of heaven, earth, and humanity. Beyond its literal numerical use, it commonly appears in idioms and compounds to suggest plurality, a small group, or repeated action rather than the exact quantity.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
三个人在走路。
我家有三只小猫。
三角形有三个角。
他三天后就会回来。
我们分成三个小组。
这次考试我得了第三名。
三个月的时间很短。
大约三分之一的员工同意。
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