three
三 represents the number three. It is a simple numeral with no extended abstract meanings.
three; 3
three
third party; third person; outsider; disinterested person
triangle; triangular shape
strikeout
crescent moon; young moon
triangle
shamisen; samisen; three-stringed Japanese lute
three sons
third base
again and again; repeatedly
third-rate; third-class
three kinds; three varieties
a third country
three-legged race
three-base hit; triple
shichi-go-san; 7-5-3 day; festival day for children aged 7, 5 and 3 held on or around November 15
the three powers of government (legislative, executive and judicial)
third baseman
frequent reflection; frequent meditation
last day of the month
three people
three generations; three periods
winner of Japan's three main horse races
三 is a simple pictographic numeral representing the number three with three horizontal strokes. This form has been stable throughout history.
Three horizontal lines, one for each count: 三 is the number three.
For サン, picture the sun (サン) shining on three horizontal lines: sun -> サン, and the three lines are the number three.