Translation guide
The number three. In Japanese, the primary way to say 'three' is 三 (さん) for counting and abstract numbers, but the form changes depending on what is being counted, using a system of counters. This guide covers the most common ways to express 'three' for everyday situations.
three (abstract number)
three (general items)
three people
Expressing the number three in isolation, such as when counting, giving a phone number, or doing math.
The standard Sino-Japanese reading for the number three. Used for abstract counting, phone numbers, and most numerical contexts.
One, two, three.
Three plus three is six.
The native Japanese counting word for three general items. Used when the item is not specified by a specific counter, or for small, generic objects.
Counting or referring to three people.
The standard counter for three people. Note the irregular reading: 三 is read as , not .
Counting three small animals like cats, dogs, fish, or insects.
The counter 匹 (ひき) is used for small animals. The reading changes to びき due to rendaku (sequential voicing).
Counting three flat, thin objects like sheets of paper, tickets, or dishes.
The counter 枚 (まい) is used for flat objects. No sound change occurs.
Counting three long, slender objects like pens, bottles, or trees.
The counter 本 (ほん) is used for long objects. The reading changes to due to rendaku.
Counting three small, roughly round or compact objects.
The counter 個 (こ) is a versatile counter for small, often roundish objects. It is very common and can be used when no specific counter is known.
Expressing the age of three.
The standard way to say three years old. 歳 (さい) is the counter for age.
Expressing the order 'third' in a sequence.
The most common way to say 'third'. 番目 (ばんめ) attaches to the number to indicate order.
In Japanese, you almost always need a counter word when counting specific objects. Saying just 三 (さん) without a counter can sound unnatural or incomplete. Use みっつ for general counting of up to ten items if you don't know the specific counter.
There are three apples. (unnatural)
りんごをみっつください。
Please give me three apples.
Three of us went to see a movie.
I have three cats.
Please give me three sheets of paper.
I bought three pens.
I will use three eggs.
My daughter is three years old.
Please turn right at the third corner.
Used in more formal or written contexts, such as 'Chapter 3' or 'the third person'. Often used with 第 (だい) prefix.
Please read Chapter 3.
りんごがみっつあります。
There are three apples. (natural)
The native Japanese series ひとつ、ふたつ、みっつ... can be used for counting up to ten when the specific counter is unknown or the items are generic. It's a safe fallback for beginners.