Dictionary — Entry No. 0932
삼
sam · noun
삼
sam
[sahm]
nounbeginner
Meaning
The number three from Sino-Korean counting system (삼). Used for formal contexts, time expressions, and mathematical operations. Distinct from pure Korean 셋 (set).
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
삼인칭 (third person perspective) is used in storytelling. Three-way conflicts or love triangles are extremely common in K-dramas. EXO’s original concept involved three unit divisions, playing on numerology.
Example Sentences
삼월 오일
sam-wol o-il
March 5th — Sino-Korean for dates and months
삼 년간 공부했어
sam nyeon-gan gongbu-haesseo
I studied for three years — duration and time measurement
삼각형
sam-gak-hyeong
Triangle — geometric shape using Sino-Korean numbers
⚠️ Don’t use sam when…
Don’t confuse 삼 (three) with 삼 (ginseng) — identical pronunciation but completely different meanings; context is crucial. Also, use 삼 for formal/time and 셋 for casual object counting.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Descendants of the Sun — love triangle between three main characters; military and strategic elements involve three-way conflicts and loyalties
- K-Pop: EXO — originally divided into three units (K, M, C units); number three significance in their lore and original concept stages
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.