The term '三号' (sānhào) literally translates to 'number three' in English. It is commonly used to refer to the third item in a sequence, such as in addresses, dates, or designations. In everyday conversation, it often appears when discussing choices or options, such as selecting a number from a list.
HSK 2, 16 strokes, Hard
sānhào(san1hao4) T1
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May 27, 2026
三号sānhào(san1hao4)
The term '三号' (sānhào) literally translates to 'number three' in English. It is commonly used to refer to the third item in a sequence, such as in addresses, dates, or designations. In everyday conversation, it often appears when discussing choices or options, such as selecting a number from a list.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
'号' is often used in addressing buildings and homes in China, where apartments may be labeled by numbers, reflecting the importance of numerical designations in urban living. Knowing how to reference these numbers is crucial for navigating Chinese cities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant number '3' wearing a hat (号) that resembles a crown, symbolizing its position as the third in line. The '三' (sān) looks like a staircase, emphasizing its ranking among numbers, while '号' (hào) suggests importance, as if this number is proudly announcing itself as number three.
About 三号
三号Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryHSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 三号
Podcast: 三号
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AI Study Notes for 三号
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant number '3' wearing a hat (号) that resembles a crown, symbolizing its position as the third in line. The '三' (sān) looks like a staircase, emphasizing its ranking among numbers, while '号' (hào) suggests importance, as if this number is proudly announcing itself as number three.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use '号' in contexts where it signifies a number or designation, as it can also mean 'day' when combined with dates (e.g., 一号 for the first day). In spoken Mandarin, ensure you pronounce both characters clearly to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 2 vocabulary word, learners should focus on recognizing '三号' in practical contexts, such as giving directions or discussing preferences. It connects to other basic numbers and offers a foundation for understanding larger numerical constructs like '十五号' (15th).
Cultural Note
'号' is often used in addressing buildings and homes in China, where apartments may be labeled by numbers, reflecting the importance of numerical designations in urban living. Knowing how to reference these numbers is crucial for navigating Chinese cities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '号' with '好', leading to misunderstandings. For example, saying '三好' (sān hǎo) could mistakenly imply 'three good things' instead of the intended 'number three.' Always ensure to use the correct character based on context.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 三号
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Cultural Notes for 三号
🏮Cultural insight
'号' is often used in addressing buildings and homes in China, where apartments may be labeled by numbers, reflecting the importance of numerical designations in urban living. Knowing how to reference these numbers is crucial for navigating Chinese cities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 三号
You can say, '我的房间是三号' (Wǒ de fángjiān shì sānhào), meaning 'My room is number three.'
'号' can also mean 'day' in date contexts, so it's important to pay attention to the context in which it is used.
'三号' specifically refers to the number three and is not used to designate people; for that, you would use '第三个' (dì sān gè) for 'the third one'.
