How to say "tertiary" in Japanese

• 三級さんきゅう
  na-adjectiveCovers 'tertiary' when it means third grade or third class in a system of grades or ranks. It is less common, and for other senses of 'tertiary' it is seldom the word you want.
• 第三次だいさんじ
  no-adjectiveUsed for 'tertiary' meaning the third of a series — a third stage, event, or occurrence. It is less common, and 三次 is the common word for 'tertiary' in its general sense.
• 三次さんじCommon
  prenominal modifierThe common word for 'tertiary', meaning third in order or degree. Unless you mean a specific third grade or class, this is the word to reach for.

Use 三次 for 'tertiary' meaning third in order or degree, 第三次 for the third of a series of stages or events, and 三級 only when 'tertiary' means third grade or class in a graded system.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 三級さんきゅうthird grade
• 第三次だいさんじthe third
• 三次さんじtertiary