Quick answer
三 is the kanji for "Three". It is a JLPT N5 kanji. The main reading is み (mi). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Three
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
3 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
Three horizontal lines stacked — literally drawing three by counting the strokes. Simple, visual, undeniable counting.
さん (san) sounds like "sun" — three suns rising one above the other.
Example Sentences
三時間待ちました。
さんじかんまちました。
I waited for three hours.
三人の友達がいます。
さんにんのともだちがいます。
I have three friends.
Vocabulary using 三
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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