Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

元三 (がんざん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

元がん三ざん

also: がんさん

が

ん

ざ

ん

Meanings

1

noun

New Year's period (January 1–3)

Refers specifically to the first three days of the New Year, a time when many businesses are closed and people visit shrines or relax at home.

元がん三ざんの間あいだ、多おおくの会かい社しゃが休やすみになる。
Many companies are closed during the New Year's period (January 1–3).
元がん三ざんは初はつ詣もうでに行いく人ひとが多おおい。
Many people go for hatsumōde (first shrine visit) during the first three days of the New Year.

Written forms

元三Usage100%
- がんざん
  Standard kanji spelling for the New Year's period January 1–3.
- がんさん
  Alternate reading がんさん; less common than がんざん.

がんさん

Kanji

元beginning, former time, origin
三three

Similar words

正しょう月がつ
正月 is the broader New Year's season, often including the first few days or even the whole first week of January, while 元三 specifically means January 1–3.
三さんが日にち
三が日 also means the first three days of the New Year and is more common in everyday speech; 元三 is a slightly more formal or written term.

Etymology

Compound of 元 (gan, 'beginning; first') and 三 (san, 'three'), referring to the first three days of the year.