Meaning

Primary

Three Things

Word Type

numeral

Explanation

This word follows the "number of things" pattern where there's a kanji for a number plus on the end. Whenever you see this, you know the word means "____ things." Knowing that, as long as you know the kanji (which you do) you can figure out what number of things it is. For this one, it's the kanji for three plus . So, this one is three things.

Reading

みっつ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since all of the "number of things" words all follow the same pattern (number plus ), you really just have to remember the part before the (and then remember that the is in all of these). All of the readings are the kun'yomi reading, which means we'll have to use a mnemonic to remember them (you know the on'yomi reading of the kanji portion).

What thing do you have three of? The three things that you have are actually three versions of yourself. "Who is the real one?" you ask yourself. "It's me!" "Wait, no, it's me!" Just remember that there are three of you, and they're all saying "me me me me me" to try and prove that they're the real you.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 三つのタイプ

    three types

    三つのポイント

    three points

    三つのグループ

    three groups

Context Sentences

このスーツケースにはメロンが三つ入る。

This suitcase can fit three melons.

ここにボールを三つ入るよ。

You can fit three balls in here.

チーズバーガーを三つオーダーしたけど、一人で三つたべます。

I ordered three cheeseburgers, and I will eat all three of them by myself.

Kanji Composition