Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "三", "三つ", "三密", "三法印"
All represent the core concept "three", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
三
さん (san)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
三つ
みっつ (mittsu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
三密
さんみつ (sanmitsu)
C2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
三法印
さんぼういん (sanbouin)
C2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "three" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "三", "三つ", "三密", "三法印" based on context.
- 三 (さん (san) - Level: N5): Maps to "three" and is used when 数を数えるときに使います。みっつ、三人、三日など、他の言葉と組み合わせて使われることも多いです。/ Used for counting. Often combined with other words like 'mittsu'.
- 三つ (みっつ (mittsu) - Level: N5): Maps to "three (general counter for objects)" and is used when Similar to 一つ and 二つ, used for counting three general items or quantities..
- 三密 (さんみつ (sanmitsu) - Level: C2): Maps to "the Three Mysteries (body, speech, mind)" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
- 三法印 (さんぼういん (sanbouin) - Level: C2): Maps to "The Three Seals of the Dharma" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "三"
鉛筆が三本あります。
There are three pencils.
Context for "三つ"
みかんを三つ買いました。
I bought three mandarins.
Context for "三密"
私は三密に興味があります。
I am interested in the Three Mysteries (body, speech, mind).
Context for "三法印"
私は三法印に興味があります。
I am interested in The Three Seals of the Dharma.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "鉛筆が ＿＿＿ 本あります。" (Meaning: "There are three pencils.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "三" is correct here because it represents "three" in the context: "There are three pencils.".