Translation guide
The English word "triplet" can refer to one of three children born at the same birth, a set of three things, or a group of three notes in music. This guide covers the most common ways to express these meanings in Japanese.
Referring to a person who is one of three siblings born from the same pregnancy.
General term for triplets (the children). Can refer to the set or an individual triplet. Often used with counters like 一人 (ひとり) to specify one person.
彼女は三つ子の一人です。
She is one of the triplets.
三つ子が生まれました。
Triplets were born.
Explicitly means 'one of the triplets'. Use when you need to be clear that you are talking about a single individual.
私は三つ子の一人です。
I am one of triplets.
Refers to triplet siblings collectively. 兄弟 (きょうだい) can mean brothers or siblings in general.
彼らは三つ子の兄弟です。
They are triplet brothers.
Referring to any group of three similar items, objects, or people considered as a unit.
A set of three items. Commonly used for objects like dishes, furniture, or tools sold as a trio.
この三つ組の皿はお買い得です。
This set of three plates is a bargain.
Often used for things that come in a series of three, like a three-pack or three connected items. Common in product names.
Phrase meaning 'a set of three'. Can be used flexibly for various items.
これらの花瓶は三つで一組です。
These vases are sold as a set of three.
Loanword from English 'trio'. Often used for groups of three people, especially in music or entertainment, but can be used casually for any trio.
Referring to a triplet in musical notation, where three notes are played in the time of two.
The standard musical term for a triplet. Used in sheet music and music theory.
この小節には三連符があります。
There is a triplet in this measure.
The English word 'triplet' is not the same as 'triple'. In Japanese, 'triple' is usually 三倍 (さんばい) or 三重 (さんじゅう). Do not use 三つ子 or 三連符 for 'triple'.
I bought a triple keychain.
They are a funny trio.