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JapanLingo

three

N5
Onyomi
Kunyomi
Stroke count
3
JLPT
N5

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of tally marks counted off in groups of five, with the kanji 三 ("three") drawn into the picture.

Break 三 down and you get 一 (one / a line) — a single line, the very first mark. Picture tally marks counted off in groups of five, put 三 inside it, and let that scene stand for "three" — three. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 3

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 3 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

1
2
3

Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example sentences (2)

kouen o sanjuppun gurai arukimashita.

I walked in the park for about thirty minutes.

gakkou wa sanji ni owarimasu.

School ends at three.