Translation guide
The English word 'threefold' can mean 'three times as much' or 'having three parts'. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Expressing that something is three times the amount, size, or degree of something else.
Use this pattern to say 'three times N'. Replace N with the thing being compared. This is the most common and neutral way.
今年の売上は去年の3倍です。
This year's sales are threefold last year's.
この部屋はあの部屋の3倍の広さです。
This room is three times as large as that room.
Describing something that consists of three elements, layers, or aspects.
Means 'triple-layered' or 'threefold' in the sense of having three layers or aspects. Often used for physical layers or abstract structures.
三重の意味がある。
It has a threefold meaning.
三重の壁で守られている。
It is protected by a threefold wall.
Means 'to become threefold' or 'to triple'. Used for changes in amount or size.
人口が3倍になった。
The population became threefold.
Means 'to make something threefold' or 'to triple something'. Transitive version.
生産量を3倍にした。
We tripled the production volume.
Specifically means 'folded in three' (like a letter or brochure). More literal folding.
三つ折りのパンフレット
a threefold brochure
Means 'consisting of three parts' (e.g., a book, film, or plan). Formal or structured contexts.
この小説は三部構成だ。
This novel has a threefold structure.