三
sān/sän⁵⁵/
The English phrase 'trey' is translated into Chinese as 三 (sān).
The term refers to the playing card representing the number three.
Meaning: playing card (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as sān.
Did you know?
- In some Chinese contexts, the number three 三 can be used as a prefix to indicate a 'third party' or a mistress in a relationship.
- While 三 is the standard word for three, Chinese has a complex system of 'financial numerals' used on checks to prevent fraud, where a much more complex character replaces the simple 三.
- In traditional Chinese culture, the number three 三 is often associated with birth and growth, as it represents the union of heaven, earth and humanity.
Examples in context
- 这是一张三。Zhè shì yì zhāng sān.This is a three.
- 我手里有一张三。Wǒ shǒu lǐ yǒu yì zhāng sān.I have a three in my hand.
- 那张三是我的。Nà zhāng sān shì wǒ de.That three is mine.
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a card game together.
- 伟 Wei到你了，出什么？Dào nǐ le, chū shénme?It's your turn, what are you playing?
- 雨婷 Yuting我出一张三。Wǒ chū yī zhāng sān.I'll play a three.
- 伟 Wei可惜我没有三。Kěxī wǒ méiyǒu sān.Unfortunately, I don't have a three.
- 雨婷 Yuting那轮到伟了。Nà lúndào Wěi le.Then it's Wei's turn.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 三, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
