noun
three Cs; three conditions for infection transmission
Refers to 密閉 (closed spaces), 密集 (crowds), and 密接 (close contact). Widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
感染拡大を防ぐため、３密を避けてください。
To prevent the spread of infection, please avoid the three Cs.
政府は３密のリスクについて繰り返し注意を呼びかけた。
The government repeatedly warned about the risks of the three Cs.
noun
three mysteries (Buddhism)
Only when written 三密
Buddhist term referring to the three mysteries of the Buddha: body, speech, and mind. Usually written as 三密.
密教では、三密の修行が重視される。
In esoteric Buddhism, the practice of the three mysteries is emphasized.
One of the three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation.
One of the three Cs: crowded places with many people.
One of the three Cs: close-contact settings, especially conversations.
Coined during the COVID-19 pandemic as an abbreviation of 密閉 (closed spaces), 密集 (crowds), and 密接 (close contact). The Buddhist sense predates this and refers to the three mysteries of esoteric Buddhism.