Translation guide
The English phrase 'three legs' can refer to a physical object with three supports, a three-legged race, or a tripod. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Describing something that has three legs, such as a stool, table, or animal.
Standard way to say 'three legs' when counting legs of furniture, animals, etc. Uses the counter 本 for long, cylindrical objects.
その椅子は三本の脚がある。
That chair has three legs.
A race where two people have their adjacent legs tied together, effectively having three legs.
A stand with three legs, used for cameras, surveying equipment, etc.
If you want to say 'three pairs of legs' (e.g., for insects), use 三対の脚 (さんついのあし). 三本の脚 means three individual legs, not three pairs.
Literally 'three legs', often used for tripods or three-legged stands. Can also refer to a tripod in photography.
カメラを三脚に取り付けた。
I attached the camera to the tripod.
Refers to a three-legged kettle or tripod vessel, often used in historical or ceremonial contexts. Not for everyday objects.
古代の鼎が博物館に展示されている。
An ancient three-legged kettle is displayed in the museum.
The standard term for a three-legged race. Literally 'two people, three legs'. Also used metaphorically for close cooperation.
運動会で二人三脚をした。
We did a three-legged race at the sports day.
彼らは二人三脚でプロジェクトを成功させた。
They worked closely together (like a three-legged race) to make the project a success.
The most common word for a tripod, especially for cameras.
三脚を使って夜景を撮影した。
I took a night view photo using a tripod.
Loanword from English 'tripod'. Used in technical or photography contexts, but 三脚 is more common.
このトライポッドは軽量で持ち運びやすい。
This tripod is lightweight and easy to carry.