1.
three (things)
The number three when counting things using native Japanese numbers.
三つに分ける。
To divide into three.
りんごを三つください。
Three apples, please.
質問が三つあります。
I have three questions.
大きな荷物が三つ届いた。
Three large packages arrived.
三つの方法があるから、好きなのを選んでください。
There are three methods, so please choose the one you like.
三つ is the native Japanese number for counting three general items.
NATIVE COUNTING SYSTEM (1-10):
- 一つ (1), 二つ (2), 三つ (3), 四つ (4), 五つ (5)
- 六つ (6), 七つ (7), 八つ (8), 九つ (9), 十 (10)
WHEN TO USE:
- General objects without specific counters
- Age up to 9: 三つ = 3 years old
- Abstract things: 理由が三つ (three reasons)
CHINESE VS. NATIVE:
- 三: Sino-Japanese (used with counters)
- 三つ: Native Japanese (standalone counting)
EXAMPLE CONTRAST:
- りんごを三つ: three apples (native)
- りんごを三個: three apples (Sino-Japanese)