三拍子(さんびょうし)

さんびょうし
noun
triple time (music); three essential qualities
musicevaluation
1. triple time; waltz time; three-beat rhythm
A musical time signature with three beats per measure, as in a waltz.
ワルツは三拍子(さんびょうし)の曲(きょく)だ。
A waltz is a piece in triple time.
三拍子(さんびょうし)のリズムに合(あ)わせて踊(おど)る。
To dance to a triple-time rhythm.
この曲(きょく)は三拍子(さんびょうし)で書(か)かれているので、独特(どくとく)の揺(ゆ)れがある。
This piece is written in triple time, so it has a distinctive swaying quality.
2. three essential qualities; the complete package
Used figuratively to describe three important qualities that together make something or someone ideal. Most commonly appears in the expression 三拍子(さんびょうし)揃(そろ)う (all three qualities are present).
三拍子(さんびょうし)揃(そろ)った選手(せんしゅ)だ。
An athlete who has the complete package.
速(はや)さ、力(ちから)、技術(ぎじゅつ)の三拍子(さんびょうし)が揃(そろ)っている。
Speed, power, and technique — all three qualities are present.
味(あじ)、見(み)た目(め)、値段(ねだん)の三拍子(さんびょうし)揃(そろ)ったレストランを見(み)つけた。
I found a restaurant that has the full package of taste, appearance, and price.

Has both a literal musical meaning and a widely used figurative meaning referring to three ideal qualities.

SENSE 2 — FIGURATIVE:
The key expression is 三拍子(さんびょうし)揃(そろ)う (to have all three qualities aligned). This is used as high praise, meaning someone or something excels in three key areas simultaneously. The three qualities vary by context but are typically stated or implied.

Common collocations

Forms

三(さん) (three) + 拍子(びょうし) (beat, rhythm)

Similar words

  • 四拍子(よんびょうし): quadruple time — musical only, no figurative use
  • 拍子(びょうし): beat, rhythm — the base word
general
Added 2026.4.6 1:25 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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