1.
triple time; waltz time; three-beat rhythm
A musical time signature with three beats per measure, as in a waltz.
ワルツは三拍子の曲だ。
A waltz is a piece in triple time.
三拍子のリズムに合わせて踊る。
To dance to a triple-time rhythm.
この曲は三拍子で書かれているので、独特の揺れがある。
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 三拍子揃う (all three qualities are present).
三拍子揃った選手だ。
An athlete who has the complete package.
速さ、力、技術の三拍子が揃っている。
Speed, power, and technique — all three qualities are present.
味、見た目、値段の三拍子揃ったレストランを見つけた。
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 三拍子揃う (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:
- 三拍子揃う: to have all three qualities
- 三拍子揃った: having the complete package
- 三拍子のリズム: triple-time rhythm
FORMATION:
三 (three) + 拍子 (beat, rhythm)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 四拍子: quadruple time — musical only, no figurative use
- 拍子: beat, rhythm — the base word