三(さん)が日(にち)

さんがにち
noun
first three days of the New Year
culturetime-general
1. first three days of the New Year (January 1-3)
The first three days of January, considered the core of the New Year holiday period in Japan. Most businesses are closed, and families gather for traditional celebrations.
三(さん)が日(にち)は実家(じっか)で過(す)ごす。
I spend the first three days of the year at my parents' house.
三(さん)が日(にち)の間(あいだ)はお店(みせ)が閉(し)まっている。
Shops are closed during the first three days of the year.
三(さん)が日(にち)を過(す)ぎると、街(まち)は少(すこ)しずつ普段(ふだん)の様子(ようす)に戻(もど)っていく。
After the first three days, the town gradually returns to its usual routine.

Cultural note

三(さん)が日(にち) (January 1-3) is the most important holiday period in Japan. During this time, families visit shrines (初詣(はつもうで)), eat traditional New Year dishes (御節料理(おせちりょうり)), and exchange greetings. Most businesses and government offices are closed.

Common collocations

Writing

The が in 三(さん)が日(にち) is usually written in hiragana. The word derives from 三箇日(さんがにち) where 箇(か) is a counter.

general
Added 2026.3.11 13:39 · Revised 2026.9.2 21:47
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