noun
15th day of the 1st, 7th and 10th lunar months
Traditional term from the Chinese lunar calendar. Refers to the three 元 days: 上元 (1st month 15th), 中元 (7th month 15th), and 下元 (10th month 15th). Rare in modern Japanese outside historical or cultural contexts.
三元は、上元・中元・下元の総称です。
三元 is a collective term for 上元, 中元, and 下元.
noun
heaven, earth and man
Philosophical concept in East Asian thought, referring to the three fundamental elements of the universe. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
東洋思想では、三元は天・地・人を指すことがあります。
In Eastern thought, 三元 can refer to heaven, earth, and man.
noun
January 1; New Year's Day
Archaic term for New Year's Day. Modern Japanese uses 元旦 or 元日.
古い文献では、三元が正月を意味することがあります。
In old documents, 三元 can mean New Year's Day.
noun-modifying (irregular)
ternary
Chemistry term for a compound or system consisting of three components. Used prenominally (e.g., 三元化合物).
三元化合物の合成方法を研究しています。
We are researching synthesis methods for ternary compounds.
Refers to the 15th day of the 10th lunar month, the last of the three 三元 days.
Modern standard word for New Year's Day, replacing the archaic 三元 sense.
From Chinese 三元 (sānyuán), literally 'three origins/principles'. The specific meanings derive from traditional Chinese cosmology and calendar systems.