The Kanji: 三 (Mi-/San) - The "Three" Kanji
The kanji "三" is the direct and universal symbol for the number "three." It is one of the simplest and most ancient characters, demonstrating the core principles of kanji formation in its purest form.
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meaning: Three; third.
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): み (mi-), み.つ (mi.tsu), みっ.つ (mit.tsu)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): サン (san)
Common Words and Compounds:
三つ (みっつ / mittsu) - Three things
三月 (さんがつ / sangatsu) - March (The third month)
三人 (さんにん / sannin) - Three people
三時 (さんじ / sanji) - Three o'clock
三角 (さんかく / sankaku) - Triangle (Three angles)
2. Writing and Stroke Order: The Rule of Three
The correct kanji writing for "三" is a perfect demonstration of the fundamental stroke order rule: "Top to Bottom." Its simplicity makes precision essential.
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: The top horizontal stroke. Write from left to right.
Stroke 2: The middle horizontal stroke. Write from left to right, parallel to the first.
Stroke 3: The bottom horizontal stroke. Write from left to right, parallel to and slightly longer than the first two strokes.
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Proportions and Stability: The key to writing "三" correctly lies in its proportions. The standard form follows a calligraphic principle: the top stroke is short, the middle stroke is of medium length, and the bottom stroke is the longest. This creates a stable, balanced character with a solid base, preventing it from looking top-heavy or unstable. This principle of a wider base is fundamental to aesthetically pleasing kanji.
The Foundation of Sequence: This character reinforces the most basic and essential rule in Japanese kanji writing: always write from top to bottom. Mastering this with "一" (one), "二" (two), and "三" (three) builds a solid foundation for all future learning.
Uniform Spacing: The space between the three strokes should be as even as possible, creating a harmonious and orderly appearance.
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "三" is a story of remarkable consistency, representing one of the most universal concepts in human communication.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The earliest form was identical to the modern one: three horizontal lines of roughly equal length. This is a pure ideogram—a symbol that represents an abstract idea (the quantity "three") directly, without reference to any sound or physical object.
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
The form remained exactly the same: three horizontal lines. Its stability over millennia is a testament to the perfect efficiency and clarity of its design.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "三" is conceptually unchanged. However, in formal writing and calligraphy, the subtle variation in stroke length (short-medium-long) was adopted to imbue the character with a sense of balance, stability, and artistic beauty, reflecting core East Asian aesthetic principles.
Cultural and Philosophical Connection:
In Japanese culture, the number three (三) is profoundly significant and is often considered auspicious.
Completeness and Harmony: Three represents a complete set: beginning, middle, and end (e.g., 過去・現在・未来 - past, present, future). It symbolizes harmony and good fortune.
Sacred Triads: It appears in many important cultural concepts:
三種の神器 (Sanshu no Jingi): The Three Sacred Treasures of the Japanese Imperial Regalia.
松竹梅 (Shō-Chiku-Bai): Pine, Bamboo, and Plum, a classic trio symbolizing good fortune.
Structure: It forms the basis of geometric shapes, most importantly the 三角 (sankaku - triangle), the most stable structural form.
Summary
The kanji "三" is a character of ultimate simplicity and deep cultural resonance. It began as a universal tally mark for the number three and has remained a stable symbol for millennia. Mastering its stroke order and, crucially, its balanced proportions is a foundational step in Japanese kanji writing. When you learn how to write kanji like "三," you are not just learning a number; you are practicing the fundamental rules of stroke order and aesthetic balance, while also engaging with a number that represents harmony, completeness, and good fortune in Japanese culture. It is a perfect bridge between basic literacy and cultural understanding.