10 Chinese Idioms With Number Three (三)

Many twists and turns

Literal meaning: One wave three turns

This idiom originates from the Jin Dynasty master calligrapher Wang Xizhi's observation about brushwork, where he noted that when drawing one (一) wave (波), he would fold or turn (折) his brush three (三) times. This technical description of calligraphic technique evolved beyond its artistic origins to...

Learn many from one example

Literal meaning: Raise one reflect three

This idiom stems from Confucius's teaching methodology, where he described the ideal student as one who could infer (反) three (三) things when taught one (举一). The concept appears in the Analects, where Confucius praised students who could extrapolate broader principles from specific examples. During...

Think thrice before acting

Literal meaning: Think three times then act

First recorded in the Analects of Confucius, where the Master responded to Zengzi's interpretation of reflection (思) three times (三) before action (行). The number three held significance in Confucian thought, representing completeness. During the Song Dynasty, philosophers expanded this concept into...

Self-reflect daily

Literal meaning: Examine self three times

Drawing from Confucius's Analects, this practice of examining (省) oneself (吾身) three (三) times daily reflects core Confucian principles of constant self-improvement. The specific number three references examining one's loyalty in serving others, trustworthiness with friends, and mastery of transmitt...

Repeated lie becomes truth

Literal meaning: Three people make tiger real

This idiom originates from the Wei state minister Pang Cong's warning to his king about how three (三) people's (人) repeated lies can make even an absurd claim - like a tiger (虎) loose in the marketplace - seem true (成). The story, recorded in Warring States texts, demonstrates how repeated rumors ca...

Make concessions to avoid conflict

Literal meaning: Retreat three camps

This strategic idiom describes voluntarily retreating (退避) three (三) camp-distances (舍) to avoid conflict, originating from the Spring and Autumn period. It stems from Duke Wen of Jin's famous decision to withdraw his army three stations before confronting the Chu forces, demonstrating magnanimity t...

Profoundly penetrating insight

Literal meaning: Enter wood three tenths

This penetrating idiom describes writing that enters (入) wood (木) to a depth of three-tenths (三分) of an inch, originating from praise for Jin Dynasty calligrapher Wang Xizhi. Historical accounts claim his brush strokes were so powerful they penetrated wooden writing tablets to remarkable depth. Duri...

Always have backup plans

Literal meaning: Clever rabbit has three burrows

This strategic idiom describes how a clever (狡) rabbit (兔) maintains three (三) burrows (窟), originating from the Warring States period text 'Strategies of the Warring States.' It recounts advice from statesman Fan Li that one should never rely on a single refuge or strategy. The specific number thre...

Lasting impact of performance

Literal meaning: Lingering around beams for days

This resonant idiom describes music lingering (绕) around ceiling beams (梁) for three (三) days (日), originating from the Spring and Autumn period. Historical accounts tell of legendary musician Boya's performance so moving that the sound remained in the hall for days afterward. The specific architect...

Habitually forgetful and disorganized

Literal meaning: Lose three drop four

Ming Dynasty vernacular speech captured this pattern of losing three things (丢三) and dropping four (落四). The non-sequential numbers created a perfect image of random, unpredictable losses rather than systematic problems. Qing Dynasty officials adopted it to evaluate servant reliability. Today it des...