Dictionary
English - Japanese

Three

θri
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

三 (さん), 三つ (みっつ), 第三 (だいさん), 三人 (さんにん)

Three meanings in Japanese

三 (さん)

Example:
I have three apples.
私はリンゴを三つ持っています。
There are three cars parked outside.
外に車が三台駐車しています。
Usage: formal/informalContext: General counting and enumeration.
Note: The word '三' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It is one of the basic numbers in Japanese.

三つ (みっつ)

Example:
Please give me three (of) those.
それを三つください。
I want three of those toys.
そのおもちゃを三つ欲しいです。
Usage: informalContext: Used when counting objects in a casual context.
Note: The counter 'つ' is often used for counting small, non-specific objects. '三つ' is more informal and is typically used in everyday conversation.

第三 (だいさん)

Example:
This is the third time I’ve been here.
ここに来たのは第三回目です。
He finished in third place.
彼は第三位で終わりました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in ordinal situations, such as rankings or sequences.
Note: '第三' is used to indicate the third position in a series. It is often found in formal writing or speeches.

三人 (さんにん)

Example:
There are three people in the room.
部屋に三人います。
We are three friends.
私たちは三人の友達です。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when specifically referring to a group of three individuals.
Note: The term '三人' is a combination of '三' (three) and the counter '人' (people). It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Three's synonyms

Trio

Trio refers to a group of three people or things working together or performing together.
Example: They formed a trio to work on the project together.
Note: Trio specifically implies a group of three individuals or items working or performing together.

Ternary

Ternary relates to the number three or involving three parts or elements.
Example: The ternary system is based on the number three.
Note: Ternary is more formal or technical compared to the simple term 'three'.

Triad

Triad refers to a group of three related things or people.
Example: The triad of colors used in the painting created a harmonious effect.
Note: Triad often implies a closer relationship or connection between the three entities compared to just the numerical value of three.

Three expressions, common phrases

Third time's a charm

This phrase means that the third attempt at something is likely to succeed after the first two attempts have failed.
Example: I failed my driving test twice, but they say the third time's a charm!
Note: The phrase 'third time's a charm' emphasizes the idea of success on the third try, rather than just the numerical value of 'three'.

Three's a crowd

This phrase means that a situation becomes uncomfortable or awkward when there are three people, as it disrupts a dynamic meant for two.
Example: I wanted to have a private conversation with my friend, but when another person joined us, I felt like three's a crowd.
Note: The idiom 'three's a crowd' focuses on the social dynamics and discomfort caused by the presence of a third person.

Three sheets to the wind

This phrase describes someone who is very drunk or intoxicated.
Example: After drinking too much at the party, he was three sheets to the wind and could barely walk straight.
Note: The idiom 'three sheets to the wind' uses 'three' metaphorically to indicate a high level of drunkenness, not a literal count of three things.

Three strikes and you're out

This phrase is often used in sports to indicate that after three unsuccessful attempts, the person will be disqualified or eliminated.
Example: The baseball player knew it was his last chance at bat, remembering that three strikes and you're out.
Note: The idiom 'three strikes and you're out' is a rule in baseball where a batter is out after three failed attempts, not just a count of 'three'.

Counting to three

This phrase is used when giving someone a final chance or warning before taking action.
Example: I gave my child a warning, counting to three before they had to stop misbehaving.
Note: The expression 'counting to three' is a way to signal the end of a grace period or the start of a consequence, not just a numerical count.

Three's company

This phrase is used to indicate that a group of three people is good company and enjoyable.
Example: I enjoy spending time with my two best friends; three's company!
Note: The idiom 'three's company' emphasizes the positive aspect of having three people together, rather than just the numerical count of 'three'.

Three cheers for

This phrase is used to express congratulations or to show support and enthusiasm for someone or something.
Example: Three cheers for our team who won the championship!
Note: The expression 'three cheers for' is a traditional way of showing approval or praise, rather than just the number 'three' itself.

Three everyday (slang) expressions

Triple

Used to indicate three times the usual or regular amount.
Example: I'll have a triple scoop of ice cream, please.
Note: Refers specifically to three times the quantity of something.

Threesome

Typically refers to a sexual encounter involving three people.
Example: They decided to have a threesome for their anniversary.
Note: Carries a more specific and often sexual connotation.

Triple threat

Used to describe someone who excels in three different areas or skills.
Example: She is a triple threat with her singing, dancing, and acting abilities.
Note: Highlights excellence in three particular talents or abilities.

Three-peat

Refers to winning a championship three times consecutively.
Example: The team is aiming for a three-peat this season.
Note: Specifically denotes winning a championship thrice in a row.

Three - Examples

I have three books.
She bought three apples at the market.
They have three children.
We need to buy three tickets for the concert.

Three grammar

Three - Numeral (Numeral) / Cardinal number (Cardinal number)
Lemma: three
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
three Contains 1 syllables: three
Phonetic transcription: ˈthrē
three , ˈthrē (The red syllable is stressed)

Three - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
three: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.