noun
three cardinal virtues
Refers to the Confucian trio of wisdom, benevolence, and valor. A formal, somewhat literary term.
武士は三徳を重んじた。
Samurai valued the three cardinal virtues.
noun
three uses; three advantages
Describes something that serves three functions or offers three benefits. Often seen in product names like 三徳包丁 (all-purpose kitchen knife).
See also: 三徳包丁
この包丁は三徳包丁と呼ばれ、肉も魚も野菜も切れる。
This knife is called a santoku knife; it can cut meat, fish, and vegetables.
noun
three qualities of nirvana; three virtues of Buddhahood
Buddhist technical terms. Sense 3 refers to qualities of nirvana (dharmakaya, prajna, moksha); sense 4 refers to virtues of Buddhahood (benevolence, wisdom, renunciation of klesha). Both are rare outside specialist contexts.
仏教の経典には三徳の概念が説かれている。
The concept of the three virtues is expounded in Buddhist scriptures.
noun
Edo-period three-pocket pouch
Historical term for a small pouch with separate compartments for a handkerchief, notes, and toothpicks, popular in the Edo period.
江戸時代の三徳は、ハンカチや筆記具、楊枝を入れる小さな袋だった。
The Edo-period santoku was a small pouch for holding a handkerchief, writing tools, and toothpicks.