Translation guide
A Japanese wedding ritual where the bride and groom each take three sips from three cups of sake, symbolizing their union.
Describing the specific Shinto wedding custom of exchanging sake cups
The standard term for the ritual. Literally 'three-three-nine-times', referring to the three sips from three cups (3x3=9).
Describing the action or meaning of the ritual in simpler terms
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a ceremony of drinking sake three times from three cups'. Useful when explaining to someone unfamiliar with the term.
The three-times-three exchange is a central part of a traditional Shinto wedding. The three cups represent heaven, earth, and humanity, and the three sips from each symbolize the couple's shared future. In modern weddings, it may be simplified or performed alongside Western-style vows.
結婚式で三々九度を行いました。
We performed the three-times-three exchange of nuptial cups at the wedding.
Variant writing using the numeral '三' instead of the kanji '三'. Same meaning and reading.
三三九度の杯を交わす。
They exchange cups in the three-times-three ritual.
The ceremony of drinking sake three times from three cups is called san-san-kudo.
Literally 'exchange cups', a common phrase for the ritual sharing of sake, not limited to weddings but often used in that context.
二人は杯を交わして夫婦の誓いを立てた。
The two exchanged cups and made their marital vows.