Cantonese3 min read

3 in Cantonese: Complete Guide with Pronunciation

3 in Cantonese = 三 (saam¹)

The number 3 in Cantonese is 三 (saam) pronounced "sahm" with a high level tone (tone 1).

Quick Answer

NumberCharacterJyutpingPronunciationTone
3saam¹sahm1 (high level)

Pronunciation

Saam (三) with tone 1:

  • Say "sahm" (rhymes with "mom")
  • Keep pitch high and level
  • High flat tone

Tone 1: High level (55) - keep voice high and steady

Practical Usage

Counting: ...二、三、四... (yi⁶, saam¹, sei³...) Phone numbers: 3 = 三 (saam¹) Prices: $3 = 三蚊 (saam¹ man¹) Times: 3:00 = 三點 (saam¹ dim²)

Common Phrases

第三 (dai⁶ saam¹): Third 三個 (saam¹ go³): Three (items)

Quick Takeaways

  • 3 = (saam¹)
  • Tone 1: high level
  • Three horizontal strokes
  • Jyutping: saam¹

TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Cantonese.

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