The k-ary n-cube is one of the most attractive interconnection networks for parallel and distributed computing system. In this paper, we investigate hamiltonian cycle and path embeddings in 3-ary n-cubes Q 3 n based on K1,2-structure faults, which means each faulty element is isomorphic to a connected graph K1,2 or a connected subgraph of the connected graph. We show that for two arbitrary distinct healthy nodes of a faulty Q 3 n , there exists a fault-free hamiltonian path connecting these two nodes if the number of faulty element is at most n − 2 and each faulty element is isomorphic to K1,2 or a connected subgraph of K1,2. We also show that there exists a fault-free hamiltonian cycle if the number of faulty element is at most n − 1 and each faulty element is isomorphic to K1,2 or a connected subgraph of K1,2. These results mean that the 3-ary n-cube Q 3 n can tolerate up to 3(n − 2) faulty nodes such that Q 3 n − V (F ) is still hamiltonian and hamiltonian-connected, where F denotes the faulty set of Q 3 n .