The Chinese wrote their first three numbers rotated 90 degrees from what the Romans did. Obviously this kanji is three, but in writing the Hindu-Arabic numeral 3 is also often used.

on readings:
  • san
kun readings:
  • mit
  • mi
examples:
daisansha third person
mikka 3rd day (of the month)
sanban third, number 3
sanbiki three (small animals)
sanbon three (cylindrical objects)
sanbyaku three hundred
sangai third floor
sankaku triangle
sanken bunritsu separation of powers
sankyō itchi the oneness of three teachings (Buddhism, Shinto & Confucianism)
sanmenkyō a dresser with 3 mirrors
sanpun 3 minutes
santō three (large animals)

links:
Wiktionary
Japanese homepage | top

Last Alteration Performed: 11 May 2025 by Bradley James Wogsland.