also: ひのえ
noun
third rank; third class; third party
Only with reading へい
Used in grading, ranking, or contractual contexts to denote the third level or party, often in contrast with 甲 (first) and 乙 (second).
See also: 甲乙丙丁
成績は甲、乙、丙の三段階で評価された。
The results were evaluated in three grades: A, B, and C.
noun
third sign of the Chinese calendar
Refers to the third celestial stem (丙) in the sexagenary cycle, often read ひのえ. Used in traditional contexts like dates, directions, and fortune-telling.
今年は丙午の年です。
This year is the year of the Fire Horse (hinoe-uma).
The contract was signed by three parties: Party A, Party B, and Party C.
The kanji 丙 originally depicted a fish tail and was borrowed for its sound to represent the third celestial stem. Its use in ranking and the calendar is a conventional extension.