How to Write 三 (three) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 3-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) character 三 (“three”), indexed under the 一 (いち (one)) radical. Practice 三 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 三つ (みっつ (mittsu) — three things), 三月 (さんがつ (sangatsu) — March), 三人 (さんにん (sannin) — three people).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (三)
Primary Radical (部首): 一 — いち (one)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 一
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サン) when 三 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (み-, み.つ, みっ.つ) when 三 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (3画): With only 3 strokes, 三 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 一 (いち (one)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Three strokes
Three horizontal strokes representing the heaven, earth, and mankind, signifying three.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 三
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 三 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 三 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 三 ("three") is written with 3 strokes (3画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 1 (小学1年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 一 (いち (one)) radical. With only 3 strokes, 三 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 一 (いち (one)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 三?
For 三 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is サン and the Kunyomi is み-, み.つ, みっ.つ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サン) when 三 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (み-, み.つ, みっ.つ) when 三 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 三 includes 三つ (みっつ (mittsu) — three things), 三月 (さんがつ (sangatsu) — March), 三人 (さんにん (sannin) — three people).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 三 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 3 strokes of 三 (three), start with the 一 (いち (one)) in the Standalone / Integrated (部首) position and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 三 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N5 Characters to Practice Next
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