Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
仨sā(sa1)
The character 仨 (sā) is a colloquial term for 'three' in Mandarin Chinese, often used in informal contexts. It is distinct from the standard 三 (sān) and cannot be used with measure words, making it more casual. This term is frequently used in everyday conversation among native speakers.
Strokes5Radical亻Frequency#14027DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The use of 仨 reflects the informal, friendly nature of Chinese conversation, showcasing how numbers can be adapted for ease in daily communication. It is commonly heard in family settings or among friends.
Memory Tip
Imagine three friends (仨) standing together, like the three legs of a tripod, supporting each other. The character 仨 resembles a person (亻) and the number 'three' (三) combined, emphasizing its meaning of 'three'.
Meanings of 仨
sā(sa1)
1three (cannot be followed by a measure word)
2three (colloquial equivalent of 三個|三个)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 仨
仨Simplified
5Strokes
亻Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 仨
Podcast: 仨
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 仨
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine three friends (仨) standing together, like the three legs of a tripod, supporting each other. The character 仨 resembles a person (亻) and the number 'three' (三) combined, emphasizing its meaning of 'three'.
Usage Notes
Learners often mistakenly use 仨 in formal contexts or with measure words like 个, but this is incorrect. Instead, use it strictly in informal settings when referring to three items or people. Be mindful of the casual tone when incorporating it into conversation.
HSK Study Tips
While 仨 is not part of the HSK standard vocabulary, understanding it enriches conversational Mandarin. It connects with other number terms like 三 (sān) and helps learners recognize informal expressions in spoken language.
Cultural Note
The use of 仨 reflects the informal, friendly nature of Chinese conversation, showcasing how numbers can be adapted for ease in daily communication. It is commonly heard in family settings or among friends.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 仨 with 三 and try to use it with measure words, saying '仨个' instead of just '仨'. The correct form is simply '仨' without any measure words.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 仨
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 仨 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 仨 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Cultural Notes for 仨
🏮Cultural insight
The use of 仨 reflects the informal, friendly nature of Chinese conversation, showcasing how numbers can be adapted for ease in daily communication. It is commonly heard in family settings or among friends.
Word Family of 仨
Words Containing This Character1
仨sāthree (colloquial equivalent of 三個|三个)
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 仨 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 仨
No, 仨 is informal and should be reserved for casual conversations.
Not exactly; while both mean 'three', 仨 is specifically used in informal contexts and cannot take measure words.
In formal contexts, use 三 (sān) and follow it with appropriate measure words.
