สามก๊ก

sǎam-gók

Meanings

1Proper nounB2

the Three Kingdoms (China)

the historical period in China (220–280 CE) when the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu competed for control.

Examples

3 more examples
2Proper nounB2

Romance of the Three Kingdoms (novel)

a classic 14th-century Chinese historical novel based on the events of the Three Kingdoms period.

Examples

3 more examples
3NounC1

(fig.) three-way factional struggle; three rival camps

(figuratively) a situation involving three competing groups or factions, often characterized by complex rivalries and alliances.

Examples

3 more examples

Tones

See how the spelling sets each syllable's tone, step by step.

2 syllables · pick one to see its rule

How the tone is decided

  1. Consonant classHigh class
  2. Tone markNo tone mark
  3. Syllable endingLive syllableEnds in -ม, a sonorant, so it is live.

High class consonants

ขฃฉฐถผฝศษสห

Result

Rising tone

sǎam

Dips low first, then rises clearly.

High class + No tone mark + Live syllable → Rising

Tone chart

Every class and spelling pattern, with this syllable outlined.

Mid classHigh classLow class
No mark + liveMidRisingMid
No mark + dead shortLowLowHigh
No mark + dead longLowLowFalling
Mai ekLowLowFalling
Mai thoFallingFallingHigh
Mai triHigh——
Mai chattawaRising——
Work out any syllable's tone in the tone calculator

Word Breakdown

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สามก๊กsǎam-gókสามก๊กsǎam-gókthe Three Kingdoms (China)the Three Kingdoms (China)Word