Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
叁sān(san1)
The character 叁 (sān) represents the numeral 'three' and is specifically used in banking and financial contexts to prevent fraud. It is a variant of the more commonly used character 参 (cān) but has a distinct, formal application to ensure clarity in financial documents.
Strokes8Radical厶Frequency#14478DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese banking, the use of 叁 reflects the cultural emphasis on precision and security, particularly in financial dealings where clarity can prevent misunderstandings and fraud.
Memory Tip
Imagine writing the number three in a bold, stylized way to emphasize its importance in finance. The character 叁 has a similar look to three horizontal lines stacked together, symbolizing stability and security in monetary transactions.
Meanings of 叁
sān(san1)
1three (bankers' anti-fraud numeral)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 叁
叁Simplified
8Strokes
厶Radical
数词shùcínumeral (num.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 叁
Podcast: 叁
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 叁
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine writing the number three in a bold, stylized way to emphasize its importance in finance. The character 叁 has a similar look to three horizontal lines stacked together, symbolizing stability and security in monetary transactions.
Usage Notes
While 叁 is used in formal financial contexts, learners should avoid using it in everyday situations where the standard character 三 (sān) is appropriate. Remember that 叁 is often seen in checks and contracts, highlighting its formal register.
HSK Study Tips
As 叁 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, focus on understanding its specific use in finance. Connecting it with other numeral characters like 一 (yī) for one and 二 (èr) for two can help reinforce your understanding of number systems in Mandarin.
Cultural Note
In Chinese banking, the use of 叁 reflects the cultural emphasis on precision and security, particularly in financial dealings where clarity can prevent misunderstandings and fraud.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 叁 with 三, using 叁 in casual conversation. For example, saying '我有叁个苹果' instead of '我有三个苹果' (I have three apples) is incorrect outside financial contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 叁
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 叁 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 叁 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 叁
叁 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
五 、 四 、 ____ 、 二 、 一 、 零. 我们升空了!
Five, four, three, two, one, zero. We have lift - off!
Example Sentences for 叁 (7)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
五 、 四 、 叁 、 二 、 一 、 零. 我们升空了!
wǔ、 、、 sì、 、、 sān、 、. èr 、 yī 、 líng!
Five, four, three, two, one, zero. We have lift - off!
2
一号球场上的比分是叁十比零.
yī hào qiú cháng shàng de bǐ fēn shì sān shí bǐ líng.
The score in the game on Court One is thirty - love.
Connors went down ( to Becker ) by three sets to one.
Cultural Notes for 叁
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese banking, the use of 叁 reflects the cultural emphasis on precision and security, particularly in financial dealings where clarity can prevent misunderstandings and fraud.
Word Family of 叁
Words Containing This Character1
叁sānto join
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 叁 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 叁
Use 叁 in formal financial documents to prevent fraud, while 三 is suitable for everyday conversation.
No, 叁 is primarily used in written financial contexts rather than in everyday spoken language.
Yes, you should also be aware of 参 (cān), which is a more general character for 'to participate' or 'to consult'.