Structural and semantic analysis of Russian and Chinese phraseological units with the numeral "three"

Efimenko Alexander Evgenievich ORCID: 0000-0002-1922-7833 PhD in Philology Lecturer, Russian Language Department, Lanzhou University (China) 730000, China, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Tianshuinanlu str., 222 yalishanda1966@vk.com

Efimenko Nikolai Aleksandrovich ORCID: 0000-0002-4003-5887 Student, Department of Regional Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University 119991, Russia, Moscow, Leninskie Gory str., 1, p. 13 efimenko200205@mail.ru Other publications by this author

The study of figurative, or metaphorical, semantics of phraseological units (hereinafter FE) with numerals (or, as they say more often now, numeratives) has a solid history in Russian linguistics. Thus, according to one of the latest reviews of articles and dissertations on this topic ^[6], such research has been conducted since at least the 50s of the XX century in three directions: Russian Russian; 2) FE with a numerical component in a foreign (foreign) language(s); 3) contrastive study of FE with a numerical component in Russian and foreign (foreign) language(s), reflecting "the desire of linguists to study linguistic concepts from the typological side" ^{[10, p. 167]}.

The study proposed below relates to the 3rd of these areas.

At the same time, it should be noted that in the studies known to us, there is a noticeable bias towards studying the exclusively symbolic meaning of the FE with the number three, coming from ancient times ^{[6, 10, 3]}. In contrast to them, in the proposed work we will only touch on the corresponding FE in the linguoculturological (and therefore largely diachronic) aspect, but we will focus on the analysis of their semantics using a synchronous, rather than a diachronic approach to it. At the same time, this approach will be comparative, since it aims to compare the semantics of the numeral three in Russian and Chinese FE.

Structural and semantic analysis of Russian FE with the numbering three

Material characteristics

We have collected 83 Russian expressions with the numbering three: these are FE, proverbs, stable sayings. Proverbs are taken from the "Dictionary of Proverbs" by V. I. Dahl ^[8] and therefore they belong to the passive layer of paroemias; FE and stable utterances, on the contrary, belong to the active layer of the modern Russian language.

Analysis methodology

A number is a quantity that characterizes quantity (quantitative), and the numeral three in different stable expressions has one of three figurative quantitative lexical meanings (LZ): 1) "Less than necessary"; 2) "More than necessary"; 3) "Norm, sufficient quantity".

These three quantitative values are superimposed on eight lexico-semantic groups (LSG) indicating the object of quantity, i.e. what this quantity refers to (further in descending order, from more cases to less in the analyzed expressions): "Units of time", "People", "Objects (places)", "Actions", "Money", "Size (volume)", "Phenomena" and "Distances" (see Table 1).

Table 1

Below is a detailed description of the results obtained on the basis of the analysis of expressions with the numeral three on the cross LZ and LSG. As already mentioned, the work aims to identify exclusively the semantics of these expressions, but not its pragmatics, therefore, questions about what and in what communicative situations they are used remain beyond our consideration.

Description of results

1. Three + LSG "Units of time"

This is the largest group of expressions: almost one third (25) of all (83) units surveyed belong to it.

Here, the signs of time are most often a combination of three days (as a sign of too little time) and a combination of three years (as a sign of a sufficient or more than necessary amount of time) in their opposition: Three days — not three years; Do not recognize a friend in three days – learn in three years; Do not guess in three days, put it in three years! It takes three years to learn hard work, and three days to learn laziness.

There are isolated proverbs where three years is served as a short period of time: Any fiction in three years will come in handy. Three years is not three centuries.

In the proverb, If a month looks around in three days, then the whole will be a bucket, and when three days of rain, then the whole inclement combination of three days in the first case means the norm, in the second it is also a violation of the norm in the meaning of "more than necessary".

In most cases, three years is given as a sign of a long time, more than the norm: They are waiting for the promised three years; Ride for three years, you will not reach any state. If three days and one day (one and a half days) are compared, then here the combination of three days becomes a sign of a long period of time: One day will replace three if everything is done on time; The dog was scared once – barks for three days; Ground for three days, and ate in a day and a half; Sits, inflates, three days in bast shoes are put on. Such a beauty that he looks out the window — the horse will spin; he will go out into the yard — the dogs have been barking for three days. This is especially true of food, or rather, its absence, where three days means "a long time, more than the norm" (Walks as if three days without eating; At least three days without eating, but do not climb out of the oven) or speech: Says three days, and all about evil; Every week on three Fridays (lexico-semantic version of the more famous FE "Someone has seven Fridays a week").

2. Three + LSG "People"

The second largest group of expressions is the group with LSG "People". People in Russian paroemias are divided into men (men) and women (women or wives).

In the male/female opposition, the second term is always labeled, but semantically ambiguous. So, in the proverb I had Three wives, I tolerated the combination of three wives from everyone – this is a sign of their excessively large number (cf. the comic song from the comedy "The Caucasian Captive": "If I were a sultan, I would have three wives ..."). But in the proverb Three women are a bazaar, and seven are a fair the combination of three women as a sign of the noisy and clueless chatter of a small number of women is contrasted with seven women, where their greater number caused a change in the speaker's assessment: from contemptuous to approving.

The same technique of contrasting three (three) vs. ten (ten) determines the understanding of the number the number three (three) as a small, insignificant number of people, and ten as a large number of people: Three will condemn – ten will judge.

However, much more often the combination of three people (three friends, three priests, three cooks) means "a lot of people, more than the norm": A friend is better nearby than three in the distance; If three cooks are jostling at one stove, lunch burns (three friends means "a lot of friends", and three cooks – "too many cooks"); also: Three priests, and the path is overgrown in the church (three priests are clearly more than necessary).

In the proverb, you sweat for two – you sing for three, the combination is for three means "there is a lot."

Often, the presence of a third person is redundant, i.e. the third is generally superfluous: The third does not light up.

Thus, our analysis does not agree with the conclusion of A. B. Karasev, made by him after analyzing the material of Latin, Spanish and English idioms, that "if (in them. – AE) the number 3 is connected with the image of a person (triumvir) (From Lat. trium – three and vir – husband, man. – AE). then an idea is created about a sufficient number of selected persons for certain purposes, for example, Lat. triumviri rei publicae constituendae – triumvirs (probably more correctly – triumvirates. – A. E., N. E.) on the establishment of the state system" ^{[4, p. 125]}. We did not find any proverbs about the selected persons in the Russian material.

However, as for sons, there must be at least three of them in the family, and this number is recognized as the norm: One son is not a son, two sons are half a son, three sons are a son; Three sons, and he himself is in power. The proverb Three friends speaks about another, but similar three-part norm of human life: father, yes mother, yes faithful wife. It is known that this symbolic and even magical meaning of the number three as a norm has been characteristic since ancient times not only for all European, but also for many non–European peoples, for example, the three Chinese gods are "three brothers who rule the heavens" ^{[11, p. 375]}. In paragraph 4 we will return to this the question.

3. Three + LSG "Objects (places)"

The third group in terms of the number of units is the group with LSG "Objects (places)". Here is a combination of three + subject (place) almost always means something extremely small, even ridiculously small, for example: to get lost in three pines "not to be able to figure out something simple"; proverbs: Three hairs are stacked in six rows (about rare hair on the head); proverbs about pathetic buildings: A courtyard ring, three poles end with an end; three stakes are hammered, three twigs are curled, the sky is covered; the light is fenced; Gypsy house: three stakes and a brand in the middle.

As always, there are a number of proverbs with quantitative opposition, where three as a small sign are opposed to their doubled antonym, that is, six: The spoon is narrow, carries three pieces; it must be diluted so that it carries six; There are three cows, calving - there will be six.

Only in the context formed by a combination with the verbs of speech used or implied, three can mean "too much": such is the FE to promise (to talk, to talk) from three boxes "to promise (to talk, to talk) a lot" ^{[1, p. 458]} and a related proverb, a woman came from the city, brought three news boxes.

There are isolated cases when three + object (place) means the norm: A good fox has three holes; A horse, a white leg — ten rubles, two white legs — twenty rubles, three white legs — thirty rubles, and four white legs - four rubles.

The following three sections: groups with LSG "Actions", "Money", "Size (volume)" – are semantically defective: they consist of three portable qualitative LZ: 1) "Less than necessary"; 2) "More than necessary"; 3) "Norm, sufficient quantity" – only two are presented.

4. Three + LSG "Actions"

A group with LSG "Actions" is a semantic group where the number three means either the norm of these actions, or more of them than necessary, but it is impossible to LZ "Less than necessary".

It is often believed that Christianity influenced the symbolic meaning of the number three. But Christianity appeared only 2 thousand years ago, and the trinity symbolism appeared in both European and world culture much earlier. So, in the most ancient, even pre-Christian, rituals, it was prescribed to "perform this or that magical action three times" ^{[3, p. 190]}, for example, to pronounce a conspiracy three times, "spit three times over your left shoulder and knock on wood three times" ^{[10, p. 169]}. At the same time, always "in magical rituals, the number three was given a positive meaning and ensured the success of the case" ^{[3, p. 190]}.

It is also known that the ancient (i.e. pre-Christian) Slavic funeral rite of trizna included a mandatory "triple sacrifice (sacrifice of three animals or one three-year-old animal)" ^{[3, p. 190]}.

Therefore, Christianity did not create, but reflected in its texts the previously arisen symbolic meaning of the number three, thereby fixing it in the minds of all Europeans, including Russians.

Three actions as a norm is, first of all, the belief that there are only three main events in life: A person is wonderful three times: he is born, marries, dies; this is the opinion that to perform three identical actions is what is required by the very nature of peasant labor: To walk three mows to the sun – you will not walk barefoot (i.e. in boots, like a rich man); finally, this is the belief that it is necessary to drink alcohol in threes: the question in modern oral colloquial speech will you be the Third? "Will you drink vodka in the company of three?" and the colloquial expression associated with it to figure out /think (crush) for three "to drink a bottle of alcohol together" ^{[6, p. 671]}.

Therefore, the attitude to the concept of 3 times is special – as to the quantitative norm: You are unlucky up to three times; I'm sorry three times, and the fourth time is too soon.

Three acts as a sign of the score in general, for example, when playing hide-and-seek: "One, two, three! I'm going to look!" ^[1], in games and practical jokes: "Close your eyes! Count to three! Open up!", finally, in a communicative situation of threat, for example, during interrogation: "Speak up! I count to three!" or in the family when addressing a child: "Eat! I'm counting to three!".

Less often, three actions are understood as a sign of a large number: He cuts with three axes, and the money is not a dispute (his version Writes with three pens, and the money is not a dispute); From the mountain without a yoke, and uphill with three whips; They do not say Good three times.

5. Three + LSG "Money"

In the LSG group "Money" usually very small money of the old Russian monetary system appears: a half "1/4 kopeck", money "1/2 kopeck", a penny, as well as a penny "2 kopecks" and altyn "3 kopecks". In combination with the numeral three, they act as signs of an extremely small amount of money (Three money (nickels) a day, wherever you want, there and a day / To a soldier three money a day, wherever you want, there and a day; Eka shawl: three money trash (i.e. cheap and therefore very bad); The price of three kopecks to a braggart), and very often the meaning of "Very little" is enhanced by contrasting much larger monetary signs: Swagger for a hundred rubles, and bellies for three halves; Neck — a penny, altyn — a head, three money leg, and darling — a half; Drank sheep kvass for three money, and noise for half an octopus (wine); I bargain for three altyns, and I owe five.

However, in combination (and contrast) with larger money: half a ruble, a ruble – and a combination with the numeral three gets the semantic DP "A lot": A ruble to debt, three half a ruble to growth.

Any proverb has not only a direct, but also a figurative, metaphorical meaning, therefore, in the proverb to the Braggart the price of three kopecks, the combination of three kopecks means, of course, not the price, but serves as a sign of the semantics of "negligible". Note that here there is a complete semantic coincidence with the Western European proverbial fund, where, "if the number three is combined with the image of a small coin, then an idea of an insignificant, small person is created, for example, in Plautus: homo tri oboli esse – "to be a good-for-nothing person" (literally: the price of three obols ^[2]. – A. E., N. E.)", since "the conceptual focus of phraseologization here is set by the semantics of the obolus component" ^{[4, p. 126]}. But in the Chinese picture of the world, as we will show below, this LSG is completely absent.

6. Three + LSG "Size (volume)"

The group "Size (volume)" arises only due to the presence of a certain number of phraseological combinations with the structure of three + one volume, which together mean "very much":  cry in three streams "cry hard, bitterly"; oak in three girths "very big oak"; push out in three necks (razg.-snizh.) "roughly drive out"; bend in three deaths "1. Bend strongly. 2. Become submissive, humble yourself." We have not found any proverbs (paremias) with this meaning. The opposite meaning of "very little" contains only: the proverb A field of three echoes (i.e., "a field of very small size"), and he sends a messenger, as well as a FE From a pot of three vershka (more commonly known as From a pot of two vershka).

Finally, the last two groups are represented by single expressions: in the 7th group: Three + LSG "Phenomena" it is said about three (and only three) norms in the life of a man (peasant), i.e. these phenomena can be neither more nor less: Do not vouch for three things: for hours, for a horse and a wife. There are three boles in our parish: recruitment, taxes and zemstvo. In August, the peasant has three worries: mowing, plowing, and sowing.

This also includes the expression three whales, which came from the writings of ancient Russian spiritual literature, where it was claimed that the flat Earth rests on three whales. In modern Russian, the expression three whales has the meaning "the basis of any business" and also implies that this number, i.e. three, is the norm (cf. in the famous song: "There are three whales, There are three whales, And nothing else!", i.e. nothing else can be).

The 8th group: Three + LSG "Distances" is represented by a single "military" (or "soldier") proverb: Tomorrow on a hike: three versts without a halt and on your own grub; get ready, sushi crackers, where three versts metonymically means, of course, "a long distance".

Conclusions

Russian Russian As it was easy to assume, the analyzed paremia material in its 1st part "reflects the life of the Russian people in many of its aspects and demonstrates the connections of the Russian language with the Slavic and non-Slavic languages of Europe" ^{[6, p. 3]}. The analysis of the material allowed to refute the myth of the supposedly exclusively Christian origin of the Trinity symbolism, which in fact arose significantly before the advent of Christianity, even at the dawn of human civilization.

Of the examined FE presented in Table 1, the most are those where three means "more than normal": these are three LSGs: 1) three + units of time (15 cases of the Promised type are waiting for three years), 2) three + people (7 cases of the type One is a mystery, two are half—secrets, three are no secrets), 3) three + size (5 cases of the type cry in three streams). In total, we counted 27 such FE.

They are opposed by two groups:

one has the most FE with the value "less than normal": 1) three + money (8 cases like Alyosha three pennies, a penny neck, altyn head, three money leg: that's the whole price for him), 2) three + object / place (5 cases like Gypsy house: three stakes and a firebrand in the middle), a total of 13;

and also only two groups where the FE with the value "norm" is the most: 1) three + actions (9 cases like I'm sorry Three times, and in the fourth time) and 2) three + phenomena (4 cases like Three times a person is wonderful: he is born, marries, dies), there are also 13 in total.

At the same time, in three LSGs: three + money, three + size, three + distance – the numeral three has no norm value at all.

Structural and semantic analysis of Chinese phraseological units with the numeral three

Chinese researchers have repeatedly paid attention to the number three, studying it from different sides and focusing on different aspects: linguoculturological, trying to find a connection between the number and the Chinese mentality ^[13]; translation, revealing the problem of translating the number three into other languages ^{[10, 18]}; literary, where the function of the number in different works is considered ^{[11, 19]}. There is even a study revealing the semantic etymology of the number three in the Chinese language ^[16], where, as a result, conclusions were drawn that the number three from the very beginning had the meaning of an indefinite number “many”, which is also evident in our study.

Zhang Hui in his article "Idioms: Conventionalized Mapping Patterns and Mental Representations" proves that in the Chinese language all types of information in the mental representation of phraseological units are interconnected through the cognitive mechanism of implicit metaphor and metonymy ^[17], which will also be partially touched upon in our article. If we talk about semantics, we previously conducted a study on FE with numeration three in the Chinese language ^[12], where based on semantic analysis, it was concluded: ? “?” "" " "" ""There are two ways of generating semantic idioms containing three <... > from numbers to projection "just" and "a large number" and the number – to the projection of a "small number"" ^[12]. However, these conclusions seem insufficient to us, and this gives us a chance to conduct a deeper semantic analysis that will lead us to more interesting conclusions.

Material characteristics

In this article, two groups of Chinese FE will be analyzed: chenyu and Yanyu, which are selected by a continuous sampling method from dictionary sources ^{[18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26]}. We have taken only two types of Chinese FE: chenyu and yanyu, because they best reflect the different sides of Chinese culture in the language.

Chenyu are winged words. They have their roots in classical literature and in the history of China. Developed and used over many centuries, they reflect the deep values, ideals and worldview of Chinese culture. Yanyu are everyday sayings of folk wisdom related to everyday life, relationships, work and passed down from generation to generation in oral speech.

Analysis methodology

The same method of division will be used for chenyu as in the Russian part.

For yanyu, this method is not suitable, since in this case the similarity is more logical-numerical, which led to the decision to divide the FE into groups.

In addition to figurative quantitative lexical meanings, it is important to note evaluative semantics in the Chinese part of the analysis, since a pattern was found between evaluative and quantitative. For this purpose, an electronic dictionary is used, which indicates the evaluation of all the FE available in their database. For yanyu, the same explanatory dictionaries were used, which were indicated above. However, evaluation is not always unambiguous, there are cases where it is controversial; in such cases, the language corpus of the Center for Chinese Linguistics of Peking University was used ^[28], with which we indicate exactly the assessment that is appropriate for most examples so that the conclusions can be as objective as possible.

In the course of the study, 76 chenyu and 28 yanyu were selected, distributed according to the following eight LSGs: "Units of time", "People", "Objects and concepts", "Places", "Actions", "Distance", "State", "Recurring events".

Table 2. Chenyu

Table 3. Yanyu

About the transfer

The translation is author's, but the purpose of the translation will be slightly different in the two groups.

Chenyu. Since the goal is to identify the semantics of the number three, the translation of the entire phraseology is not necessary, especially in this group, where the meaning is always associated with some specific history, without which it is difficult to understand the connection between the direct meaning and the figurative. The translation will be done only for quantitative phrases.

Yanyu. For this group, a literal translation of the entire sentence will be made, since without it the logical chain will be broken and we will miss a lot of elements.

Next, we will proceed to the description of the results of the study.

The groups into which the chenyu with the number three are divided

LSG "Units of time"

(three quarters; neutral)

(three years; neutral)

(three days; neutral)

(three quarters of an hour; neutral)

All FE belonging to this group have a neutral evaluation, which indicates the absence of emotional overtones. The number three performs the same specific function here – it indicates the repeatability, frequency or duration of events. In each of these expressions, the token three is used to indicate a certain period of time or number of repetitions.

The value of the number three is always the same here – "more than normal".

LSG "People"

This group is divided into two subgroups:

I. The number three is used to indicate the number of objects, i.e. people:

(three friends; neutral)

(three wives; neutral)

(three nuns; negative)

(three neighbors; neutral)

(three emperors; neutral)

(three matchmakers; neutral)

( (three boaters; neutral)

In this case, the number three emphasizes the grouping of people on a common basis, for example:

1) by social status: emperors;

2) interpersonal relationships: friends, wives, neighbors, relatives;

3) by profession: nuns, matchmakers, boatmen.

It is important to note that in this case, almost all FE have a neutral evaluation, since they designate only a group of people. And only one FAIRY has a negative evaluation. This phraseology was originally used to list the types of nuns of different religions and women working in different professions. However, since in ancient China it was believed that women would use their work to cheat on their husband, or gossip, or commit other dirty tricks, it was because of this stereotype that all women's professions began to have a subconscious negative coloring, which led to this single exception.

II. The number three itself becomes an object

( (people who have been deceived; negative)

( (people who are covered; negative)

( (a group of people who are in the process of gathering; neutral)

( (people who have been deceived; negative)

( (people who are told about people who are strangers to the event;  negative)

( (people to whom they please; negative)

In this subgroup, we understand the meaning of FE thanks to the verb standing before the numeral. The number three also implies a group of people united by action, for example, deceived people, or taken under protection, or gathered together, etc. In this case, the object is not important, since we do not emphasize its personality, but only show movement, so three in this case each time will mean "three people". Since all these combinations indicate a special feature of a person, established in traditional Chinese society, it is recognized in the language as the norm.

Evaluation in this group depends on the evaluation of the action in the person's mind: if a good action, then a positive assessment, if neutral – no assessment, if a bad action – a negative assessment.

LSG "Objects and concepts"

This group has many similarities with the previous one and is also divided into two subgroups:

I.The number three is used to indicate the number of objects:

(three souls; neutral)

(three different varieties of tea; positive)

(three extraordinary forces; positive)

(three chastities; positive)

(three correct teachings; negative)

(three troubles; negative)

(three sacrificial items; positive)

(three ethics; positive)

(three fake eyebrows; negative)

( (three physical powers; negative)

In this case, the origin of the FE is very important, so all units can be divided into three groups:

1. FE appeared thanks to philosophical teachings. For example, the FAIRY appeared thanks to the Taoist philosophy of the three heavenly souls and the seven earthly ones; the FAIRY appeared thanks to the concept of the manifestation of the dharma of the Buddhas.

2. FE appeared due to the etiquette and norms of Chinese society in ancient times. For example, FE ? ? shows a scene of sacrifice, and FE ? ? shows the moral principles of ancient China.  

In these two groups, the number three also has the value of the norm, as it indicates different samples of Chinese culture (three souls, three chastity, etc.).  

3. FE appeared in modern literature. For example, FE or FE appeared around the middle of the XX century, so despite their popularity in modern Chinese, it is impossible to talk about their connection with Chinese classical culture.

In the third group, three has the value "more than normal", since something more than usual is shown (three eyebrows, three physical powers, etc.)

II. The number three itself becomes an object

or ( (three randomly placed objects; negative)

or (any three items that can be lost; negative)

( (three subjects chosen by a picky person; negative)

(three objects of speech that cause a quarrel; negative)

It is easy to notice that in both groups, where the number three itself becomes an object, there is a combination with the number three and with the number four. The best example is the chenyu, where three and four can even go in different sequences, but the meaning of these three chenyu is the same, which once again confirms the symbolic meaning of these numbers.

This group shows exactly the same semantics as in paragraph II of the previous group, in which the object is missing, and we understand the meaning of FE thanks to the verb standing before the numeral. The number three implies a group of items, the number of which is perceived as the norm.

Regarding evaluation: all of them have different literary works as their source, so their evaluation depends on the content of these works and the context.

LSG "Places"

( (three rabbit holes; negative)

(three streets; neutral)

(three harems; neutral)

They serve to denote a large number, but in FE "The cunning hare has three holes" (cf. Russian For a good fox, three holes each), that is, a cunning person should always leave spare plans for himself, where three means "more than the norm"; but in FE, "on three streets and in six alleys" three means "everywhere" and therefore corresponds to the norm.

LSG "Actions"

( (to deceive; negative) (to visit three times; positive)

? or (investigate many times; positive)

(to order; positive) (to give three examples; positive)

(praise three times; positive)

(kneel down to show respect; positive)

In this case, the number three has a goal – to strengthen the evaluation. For example, in FE with the help of the number three, extreme treachery is shown and the rating is extremely negative, and in FE ? "One sings — three praise" with the help of the number three, the positive rating is enhanced.  It is important to note that in this group, with a positive evaluation, the value of the number three is always "more than normal", since it indicates events that people are usually unable to do (visit three times, give three examples, etc.)

LSG "Distance"

, or , or ("ninety-do", negative).

This group includes one chenyu, which has as many as three absolute synonyms. It is based on a well–known historical event - the retreat of the army by ninety li, which began to denote cowardice, therefore, accordingly, FE has a negative connotation and means "more than the norm".

LSG "State"

( (ugly; negative)

(satisfied; positive)

(bifurcation; negative)

? or ( (indecision; negative)

( (separation; positive)

or ( (randomization; negative)

? or ? ( (instability; negative) (poor quality; negative)

? or (dishonesty; negative)

In this group, all FE are necessarily combined not only with the number three, but also with other numbers, most often with the numbers two and four. We can assume that these chenyu are divided into two parts, from which two adjectives with the same meaning are formed, and together they strengthen it. This is also emphasized by the fact that in these FE, the word order is often not important, i.e. it does not matter which part is in front and which is behind – the meaning does not change from this. The order of the numbers may also not be important, because it will not affect the semantics in this case.

Accordingly, the evaluation in this group is very bright. Even the one that indicates the passage of ordinary life and should have a neutral connotation, with the help of double reinforcement, acquires the meaning of stability, stability of life, and evaluation becomes positive.

As for the meaning, it is important to note that when the numbers three and two are combined, the number three will always mean "more than normal". For example, in accordance with the FE, in which three is greater than the norm, there is a FE, where the norm is shown in this Chinese representation.   LSG "Recurring events" , or , or , or , or (repeated execution of anything; neutral)

(multiple compliance; negative)

(final repetition point; neutral)

(consecutive passage of something; neutral)

( (weakening with each repetition; negative) ( (quickly raise the rank many times; positive)

In this group of FE, the only value of the number three is almost always the "norm", the "normal number of events", and its function is to indicate the multiple repetition of this event. Chenyu is the best indicator of this feature of the number three, since there are five absolute synonyms, where all components except the number three are replaced. After all, if the event was repeated only once, then we cannot talk about the frequency of its repetition, at least it must be repeated twice so that we can use the word often.

Regarding evaluativeness, an interesting picture is observed: if a specific action is not initially given in the FE, then this will mean absolute synchronicity of the next repetition, leading to neutral evaluativeness. If the action is initially positive, then with each repetition it will only increase; also with negative phenomena, failure will only increase. Therefore, there can be three ratings in this group: neutral, very positive or extremely negative. 

Conclusions on chenyu

After analyzing the LSG, which are divided into chenyu with the numbering three, we can draw the following conclusions:

1. The absolute absence of the number three values "less than the norm". This conclusion directly points to a more unified image of the number three in Chinese culture, where triples are often compared as a number greater than one, or as a constant showing the normal state of the plural of something.

2. The structure A ? B ("three A four B") is very common, combinations of which have become the norm. This structure always indicates the absence of a certain person, and with the help of the numbers three and four, the value of a certain mass of people is transmitted, without a specific indication. Also, parts A and B are always synonymous and often A and B can replace each other. Obviously, this structure is used as a double reinforcement of the evaluativeness of the action itself.

3. When the numbers two and three are combined, the value of the number three is always "greater than the norm". Even if in this case there is no comparison with the number one, it still feels like it can be revealed by comparing the FE with the number one.

4. In FE, the semantics of which are related to rules, profession, etiquette, ceremonies, the number three always means the norm.

Next, let's move on to the groups into which the yanyu with the number three are divided

Yanyu with the number three always have an internal form of comparing something with something. They are arranged on the comparison of numbers and proportions, so it is logical to divide the groups according to the characteristics of the ratios of numbers.

1. Numerical signs reflecting the proportional relations of the numbers three and seven

, "Three depend on the teacher, seven depend on you": for example: three achievements and seven achievements;

, "Three depends on talent, seven depends on appearance";

"Three looks like a man, seven looks like a demon";

"If you behave inappropriately, the language will become shorter by three fans."

In all yanyu of this group, there is a proportional division into three and seven. In this way, the FE shows two factors that affect one event, and emphasizes what is more important and what is less.

However, even when the number seven is missing, the proportion is still felt. So, for example, in FE, it is immediately clear that the length of three feng is three tenths of the length of the original, which indicates the subconscious decimal system, where ten is considered the maximum number that does not increase, and division occurs inside it. If you look at the semantics of the lexeme "ten points" in modern Chinese, then when it is used as an adverb, it has a figurative meaning "very", "maximum", "to the last degree", etc., which is a remnant of that ancient tradition of division, where ten was the maximum.

It is thanks to this balance of matching the numbers three and seven in all cases in this group, the number three conveys the value of the norm.

2. Three triples are greater than one

It was found that in yanyu with the number three, the comparison of the number one and the number three is very important, but it occurs in different situations and manifests itself in different ways, so this group is divided into the following three subgroups:

1. Direct comparison of three triples and one, where one is greater than three triples:

, "One good expels three evils, a person's kindness expels a hundred evils": 1 more than 3, which is unusual;

"I asked one question, but if a person cannot say anything for three (beginning, middle, end), then even the gods will not be able to help such a person" (cf. above in Russian. in a communicative threat situation, for example, during interrogation: "Speak! I'm counting to three!")

, "In one year, go to the fortune–teller three times - if there were no diseases initially, then they will certainly appear after."

In this situation, the number one is dominant, and one positive can be more than three negative. It is important to note that in this case, the repeating object initially has a negative evaluation, such as ignorance, evil, etc. In such cases, three triples can create a maximum of nine, which will be considered less than one (ten), so triples in this subgroup are insufficient.

2. Direct comparison of three triples and one, where three triples are greater than one:

, "Three simple shoemakers are better than one sage Zhuge Liang";

"A good steel must undergo three remelts, a good book must be read hundreds of times";

, "One bamboo rod is easy to bend, three strands of silk together are difficult to tear";

"Ice does not freeze for three chi in one day";

"If you clean the well three times, you can drink sweet water; if you study with three teachers, you will have a high level of martial art";

"If you do not take on three times more danger, it is difficult to temper your valor": 3 goes as a share of danger, from 3 goes to 1;

"I told a smart person one example, he can give you three, and even beat a stupid person with a stick, but he still won't be able to learn."

In this subgroup, we see that three triples together can be more than one (ten). In this case, all objects, such as intelligence, patience, courage, etc., initially have a good evaluation, so when the object is positive, then repeating it will only strengthen the positivity and lead to a result that is better and larger than expected. 

You can also give an example: , ; , "Three hardworking people and one lazy: even if you want to be lazy, everyone will work; Three lazy people and one hardworking: even if you want to work, everyone will be lazy." It shows the influence of the evaluability of an object on the conclusion: when an object with a positive connotation (labor) dominates, the result will also be positive; when an object with a negative connotation (laziness) dominates, the result will be negative.

In the first two subgroups, in only one example, the value of the number three is "more than the norm", and all the others show the pattern of Chinese thinking, where three items of lower quality are better than one of high quality. However, this rule does not apply to abstract concepts, for example, knowledge or goodness, since these latter are always considered positive and dominant. 

3. Step-by-step reinforcement in the order of one-two-three

, , "One monk carries water and drinks; two monks carry water together on a yoke and drink; when three monks, then everyone is left without water": when there is an internal conflict over who will work more and who will work less, it is better to work separately;

, "One person will not be able to resist the tricks of two, and three together will be able to come up with an even better idea";

, , "One person can invent something, the second a little add, and the third finished."

In this group, all the FE show the importance of cooperation and the arrangement of responsibilities, which describes three situations: when one person does something; when two people do something together; and when three people do something together. In such yanyu, the maximum number is always three, since 3 people is a full–fledged team, because the decision will depend on everyone, and a majority and a minority may already appear.

However, quantity does not always correspond to quality, as shown in the first example, where the evaluation fell when assembling a team of three people: when only one monk worked, he showed the quality of diligence, which is positive; two monks showed the quality of cooperation, which is also positive, but three monks showed the quality of laziness, which is negative (cf. rus. If three cooks are jostling at the same stove, lunch burns).

By the way, this example directly contradicts the stereotype that the Chinese always like to do teamwork and love collectivism regardless of other factors. The considered FE indicate that a good result can be obtained only with the correct arrangement of each person's functions, where everyone will do their share of work, and only then will the evaluation be positive. And it is better to prefer working independently to inefficient teamwork.

3. Three and ten as indicators of the integrity and end of the cycle

"A noble person can wait three years for revenge, but a low person can't wait any longer than now";

,

, "Once stung by a snake, he is afraid of a rope made of grass for three years" (cf. rus. The dog was scared once – barks for three days);

,

"It takes three years to learn to be a good person; it takes three days to learn to be a bad person" (cf. rus. To learn hard work, it takes three years to learn laziness – three days). ,  

This group includes examples that have absolute analogues that convey the same value, but instead of the number three, the number ten is put.

The number ten, as mentioned earlier, in Chinese language and culture is associated with integrity or the point of maximum, after which a new cycle begins. The number three, due to its semantics, can play a similar role to the number ten. So, in Confucian philosophy there is a triad: heaven, earth, man, in Chinese astronomy there is the concept of three constellations, etc. You can also take a quote from Lao Tzu: "All beings are born from three," where it is shown that three can also be the end of the previous cycle and become the beginning of a new one.

Of course, the semantic functions of the numbers three and ten are very different, but they have a large intersection, which led to the replacement of numbers in the FE data.

4. The number three as a statement of the established state of things

, "Civilian officials have three arms, military officials have four legs."

, "Save one coin every day – in three years there will be a thousand": you need to save money.

"It doesn't matter that three times seven is twenty-one":

increasing meaning or emphasis on comparability.

, "For any person who wears clothes three chi long, words are not considered low or high": any adult has the right to speak out, regardless of his status.

This group includes FE, which are less associated with culture, and more with the state of things, which is perceived as established and unchangeable.

For example, in the first example, three hands implies an invisible hand that takes bribes; the second and third examples are mathematical facts; the fourth is related to the average height of men in ancient times. A considerable number of such examples were also found, which reflects the folk wisdom shown in simple words. In them, the number three loses its specificity.

5. The number three has the meaning "several"

"To beat a person is two days of worry, to offend a person is three days of shame": 3 and 2 days are in general, 2 or 3 days are not meant, but 2 is better than 3 here;

"The money that is earned dishonestly will be spent in two or three days."

In this group, the number three has no concreteness, but simply means a short period of time. Usually in this group, FE have a negative evaluation, since there is a comparison of the number three, which implies a short period of time, with other numbers, for example, with a thousand, which is clearly much larger.

Conclusions on yanyu

Having analyzed the groups into which yanyu are divided with the numbering three, we can draw the following conclusions:

1. A clear relationship between evaluativeness and quantifiability. For yanyu, with a neutral or positive evaluation, the value of the number three is "normal", with a negative evaluation, the value of the number three is "more than normal".

2. Also, the number three is often used in combination with other numbers, especially often with numbers:

Seven. This number shows the decimal number system, since the numbers three and seven are always shown as two unequal parts of integrity, which can achieve results only when they are combined.

One. It goes in comparison with the number three, shows the principle of the importance of teamwork, metaphorically conveying that three ordinary people, with a good distribution of tasks, can get more effect than one gifted person (Three threes are more than ten). This comparison shows the ancient Chinese wisdom about the importance of teamwork.

Four. When combined with the number four, the projection of the vagueness of the object in the FE increases, it will most often denote a certain amount of something.

Ten. In the course of the analysis, it was revealed that the numbers three and ten in Chinese linguoculture have a similar meaning, which led to the possibility of interchanging these two numbers.

3. No cases of "less than normal" were found. Even with a negative evaluation, the number three will never mean something less than the norm. Since in Chinese phraseology it is often used to show repeatedly repeated events or an excessive number of people, the meaning of "more than necessary" is already fixed in its semantics, which led to this result.

 General conclusions

The work done has confirmed the assumption that "symbolic meanings of numerical components in phraseological units of different languages tend to preferentially coincide, but this does not exclude manifestations of national specificity in them" ^{[6, p. 170]}.

Both in Russian and in Chinese phraseology, the numeral three coincides in almost all LSGs to which the FE data relate. Only one LSG is not represented in any way in Chinese phraseology: this is the LSG "Money", which at the same time has been inherent in the phraseologies of all European languages, including Russian, since antiquity. The reason for its absence in Chinese phraseology remains to be seen.

The predominant value of the numeral three in Russian FE is the value "more than the norm". Probably, we can talk about the struggle of two pictures of the world: the ancient one, where three meant only the norm, and the more modern one, where three means "more than the norm". No wonder the Russian FE containing three with the meaning "more than the norm" are among the most common in modern speech (to bend to three deaths), while FE with the meaning "norm" are among the obsolete (In our parish there are three diseases: recruitment, taxes and zemstvo) or obsolete (One son – not a son, two sons are half a son, three sons are a son).

In Chinese FE, it should be noted the uncertainty of the value of the number three. The fact that the number three is very often used as a generalization of something that has one or more common features is a confirmation of this idea.

Another sign of Chinese FE is the complete absence of the number three meaning "less than the norm".

It is also important to make a note about the evaluation, which is reflected especially vividly in the chenyu group. In the LSG "People" and LSG "Objects and Concepts", despite the similarity of grouping and internal form, evaluation is very different: when we talk about people, it is usually neutral and only conveys facts, however, when it comes to objects, their function immediately changes, and they are almost always positive or negative meaning. It can be concluded that the Chinese are more inclined to use objects or concepts for metaphors (for example, a) than specific groups of people (for example, a) united by a profession or activity. And only when the image is unclear and the verb before the number three conveys semantics that, according to the moral signs of Chinese culture, is considered categorically incorrect, evaluativeness will appear (for example, ; ). Recall that in yanyu, with a neutral or positive evaluation, the value of the number three is "normal", with a negative evaluation, the value of the number three is "more than normal".

^[1] The other variant is more commonly used, probably because of the presence of rhyme: "One, two, three, four, five! I'm going to look!"

^[2] Obol is a small coin in ancient Rome.