Yojijukugo
Japanese meaning of 三者三様
Voice sample:
さんしゃさんよう (sansha sanyou)
English Translation:
Three different ways
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Literally “three people, three ways”; each of three people or groups has a different way, opinion or style.
日本語で読む
三人（三つ）の考えややり方が、それぞれちがうこと。
Cultural Context:
It is used when three people or groups react differently to the same thing. For a larger group, 十人十色 is a similar phrase.
日本語で読む
同じことについて、三人や三つのグループの意見ややり方がばらばらなときに使う。人数が多いときは「十人十色」が近い。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Often “三者三様の意見” or “三者三様だ.”
日本語で読む
•「三者三様の意見」「三者三様だ」のように使う。
Trap for English Speakers
様 is read よう here, not さま. It is used for three; for many people, 十人十色 fits better.
日本語で読む
「様」はここでは「よう」と読む。三人（三つ）について使う言葉で、大勢なら「十人十色」が合う。
Example
Example 1Basic Example
同じ質問をしたのに、三人の答えは三者三様だった。
I asked the same question, but the three of them each gave a different answer.
Example 2Applied Example
「忍びに一番大切なものは？」と聞かれた三人の弟子は、「足音」「気配」「おやつ」と三者三様に答えた。
Asked "What matters most for a ninja?", the three apprentices gave three different answers: "footsteps," "presence" and "snacks."
Quick check
Meaning
What does 「三者三様」 mean?