How to say “three (3)” in Chinese
Pinyin colour key: tone 1 (high flat), tone 2 (rising), tone 3 (dipping), tone 4 (falling), neutral.
Word by word
Tone tip
三 (sān) is a flat, high first tone. Keep it level - don't let it fall.
In a sentence
我有三个孩子。
Wǒ yǒu sān ge háizi.
I have three children.
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Start freeFrequently asked questions
How do you say "three (3)" in Chinese?+
"three (3)" in Mandarin Chinese is 三, pronounced sān. 三 (sān) is a flat, high first tone. Keep it level - don't let it fall.
What does 三 mean literally?+
三 breaks down as 三 (sān) = three. Together it means "three (3)".
How do I get the tones right in sān?+
三 (sān) is a flat, high first tone. Keep it level - don't let it fall.
More phrases like this
Master the tones behind it
What each tone sounds like and why it matters.
Why some tones change in connected speech.
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