三 – Three (San / Mittsu Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 三.
Kanji 三 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
三 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 三月 (sangatsu – March) and 三階 (sangai – third floor).
Used when counting three items, such as りんごが三つ (ringo ga mittsu – three apples).
三 Stroke Order – How to Write 三
三 is written with 3 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write three horizontal strokes from top to bottom, each roughly parallel, the bottom stroke slightly longer.
Common Words Using 三 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 三, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 三
See 三 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
りんごが三つあります。
りんごが みっつ あります。
Ringo ga mittsu arimasu.
There are three apples.
三人の学生が来ました。
さんにんの がくせいが きました。
Sannin no gakusei ga kimashita.
Three students came.
三月に桜が咲きます。
さんがつに さくらが さきます。
Sangatsu ni sakura ga sakimasu.
Cherry blossoms bloom in March.
図書館は三階にあります。
としょかんは さんがいに あります。
Toshokan wa sangai ni arimasu.
The library is on the third floor.
彼女は三回、電話をかけました。
かのじょは さんかい、でんわを かけました。
Kanojo wa sankai, denwa o kakemashita.
She called three times.
Frequently Asked Questions About 三
What does the Kanji 三 mean?
三 means three. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 三人 (sannin, three people) and 三月 (sangatsu, March).
What is the Onyomi reading of 三?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 三 is サン (san), as in 三月 (sangatsu, March) and 三階 (sangai, third floor).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 三?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 三 is みっ.つ (mittsu, three things).
How many strokes does 三 have?
三 is written with 3 strokes.
Is 三 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 三 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the first number kanji beginners learn.
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