三合会
sānhèhuì
The English phrase "triad" is translated into Chinese as 三合会 (sānhèhuì).
While it literally means a grouping of three, in a modern context, it almost exclusively refers to the Triad criminal organizations.
Meaning: grouping of three (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 三合会 is composed of 三 (three), 合 (combine/join) and 会 (association/society).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong and other Cantonese-speaking regions, the terms 三合會 or 三合会 are used for "triad."
How do you pronounce it?
sānhèhuì
Did you know?
- The 三合会 began not as a criminal gang, but as a revolutionary secret society dedicated to overthrowing the Qing dynasty to restore the Ming dynasty.
- The 'three' in 三合会 does not just count people, but symbolizes the cosmic harmony between 'heaven', 'earth' and 'man'.
- The Triads traditionally use a complex system of numerical codes and hand gestures to identify each other and signal rank without speaking.
Examples in context
- 学者们对比了不同国家的犯罪组织，其中包括了意大利的黑手党，以及中国的三合会。Scholars compared criminal organizations in different countries, including the Italian Mafia and the Chinese Triad.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a crime thriller movie they just watched.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这部电影讲述了三合会的权力斗争。Zhè bù diànyǐng jiǎngshùle sān hé huì de quánlì dòuzhēng.This movie tells the story of a power struggle within the triads.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我觉得剧情太紧张了。Wǒ juédé jùqíng tài jǐnzhāng le.I think the plot was too intense.
- 志强 Zhiqiang但三合会的描写非常真实。Dàn sān hé huì de miáoxiě fēicháng zhēnshí.But the depiction of the triads was very realistic.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，演员演得很到位。Shì de, yǎnyuán yǎn de hěn dàowèi.Yes, the actors played their parts very well.
