number HSK 1
three · 3
Meaning
三 is the number three in Mandarin Chinese. It is one of the most fundamental numbers in the language and appears in countless contexts from basic counting to idiomatic expressions. The character consists of three horizontal strokes, visually representing the quantity it signifies.
Usage
Used exactly like the English number 'three' in counting, mathematics, dates, times, and quantities. When followed by a measure word and noun, it quantifies items. Native speakers use it constantly in daily life for everything from prices to phone numbers to expressing quantities.
Examples
- 01我有三个苹果。.I have three apples.
- 02今天是三月三号。.Today is March 3rd.
Common collocations
- 三个three (of something)
- 三天three days
- 星期三Wednesday
- 三点three o'clock
Origin
The character 三 is a pictographic representation showing three horizontal lines, directly depicting the concept of 'three.' It is one of the oldest and simplest Chinese characters.