日
学
夢
本
語
心
Three
三
Three
Kun-yomi 🇯🇵:
みっつ (mittsu)
(Japanese reading)
On-yomi 🇨🇳:
サン (san)
(Chinese-derived reading)
Three
Three

Pronunciation rules

  • みっつ (mittsu) is the kun-yomi when counting things.
  • サン (san) is the on-yomi in compounds like 三月 (さんがつ, sangatsu: March) or 三角 (さんかく, sankaku: triangle).
  • As part of proper names and set phrases, readings may vary; learn common expressions like 三日 (みっか, mikka: the 3rd day of a month).

Examples

Kun-yomiNative Japanese Readings
三 つ あります。
There are three.
Uses kun-yomi みっつ (mittsu) when counting things
三 つ ください。
Three, please.
Uses kun-yomi みっつ (mittsu) when counting things
三 つ だけ です。
Only three.
Uses kun-yomi みっつ (mittsu) when counting things
On-yomiSino-Japanese Readings
三月
March
Uses on-yomi サン (san) in compound for months
三角
triangle
Uses on-yomi サン (san) in compound
三 月 に いきます。
I will go in March.
Uses on-yomi サン (san) in compound 三月
三角 の かたち
triangular shape
Uses on-yomi サン (san) in compound 三角
ExceptionIrregular Readings
三日
the 3rd day of a month
Exception: 三日 reads as みっか for the third day of the month

Quick facts

  • Radical: 一 (one)
  • Strokes: 3
  • Common compounds: 三月 (さんがつ, sangatsu), 三角 (さんかく, sankaku: triangle)
  • ⚠️ Exceptions:
    • 三日 reads as みっか when meaning "the 3rd day of a month" (not さんにち).
    • 三月 reads as さんがつ (uses on-yomi サン in compound).
    • Counting: みっつ (three things), よっつ (four things).

Key Words

三 - three
三月 - march
三日 - the 3rd day of a month
三角 - triangle