Lucky And Unlucky Numbers in Chinese
Table of Contents
- The Number 2
- The Number 6
- Lucky Number 8
- Lucky Number 9
- Unlucky Number 4
- Western Lucky Numbers
- Shared Symbolism in China and the West
- Specified Number-Related Questions
Chinese lucky numbers and unlucky numbers, do you know it? In Chinese culture certain numbers are considered “lucky” because their pronunciations sound similar to words that have “lucky” meanings. Lucky numbers are very important in Chinese culture. People select lucky numbers when choosing residences, telephone numbers, business addresses, wedding dates, festivals and other celebratory events.
Why the Olympic 2008 started the opening ceremony on August 8, 2008 at 8:08? It is because the number 8 in Chinese is a lucky number and people believe it will bring good luck. We will take a look at lucky and unlucky numbers in China. Good luck numbers in Chinese culture 2 6 8 9; Unlucky number 4.
Learn Chinese with Us The number 2 (二 or 两, Pinyin: èr or liăng)
The number 2 holds significant cultural value in Chinese society as a symbol of pairs and harmony. It’s particularly auspicious in wedding traditions, where the double happiness symbol (囍) is prominently featured. While generally positive, the number can carry negative connotations in Northern China, where “er” can imply foolishness or poor judgment.
The number 2 is often seen as a positive symbol in Chinese culture, representing concepts like “double,” “twinned,” and “again.” It’s considered auspicious because of the belief that “good things come in pairs (好事成双, hàoshì chéngshuāng).”
This concept of duality is prevalent in product branding, with names like double happiness, double coin, and double elephants commonly used. During wedding ceremonies, it is traditional to decorate gates and windows with paper-cuts of 囍, which symbolizes double happiness, following ancient Chinese marital customs.
Bi Yi Shuang Fei
Double happiness
Positive Meanings of the Number 2 in Chinese Culture
The number 2 carries many auspicious meanings in Chinese phrases:
- 比翼双飞 (Bi Yi Shuang Fei): With “Shuang” meaning double, this phrase represents lifelong devotion between a couple, literally translating to “flying wing to wing.”..
- 才貌双全 (Cai Mao Shuang Quan): This phrase praises someone as both talented and attractive. It’s also common to include “Shuang” in children’s names for good luck. In many parts of China, married women bring duplicate gifts when visiting their parents.
The number 2 can also represent duality, a key concept in Chinese philosophy. In Yin and Yang (阴阳 yīn yáng), balance between two forces is essential for harmony in the universe.
Negative Connotations of the Number 2
In Northern China, however, the number 2, pronounced “Er,” can describe someone as foolish, reckless, or bold. Terms like:
- Er
- 二百五 (Er Bai Wu): Two hundred and fifty,
are not compliments and imply poor judgment or foolishness.
- 你太二了 (nǐ tài èr le): This means “You are so silly/ridiculous/stupid.”
The Significance of 520 in Love and Romance
The number 520 has gained significant popularity in modern Chinese culture, especially for expressing love.
- 520 (wǔ èr líng) closely resembles the pronunciation of 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ), meaning “I love you” in Mandarin.
This phonetic similarity has made 520 a symbolic way to declare love, especially through digital communication and social media.
520 Day
- May 20th (5/20) has become an unofficial day to celebrate love in China, often referred to as 520 Day.
- On this day, couples exchange gifts, messages, and sometimes even get married. It’s seen as a modern-day Valentine’s Day.
- The number 520 is also used in romantic gestures, such as sending monetary gifts through digital platforms, where 520 yuan might be sent as a symbolic expression of love.
The number 6 (六, Pinyin: liù) in Chinese
The number 6 is considered lucky in Chinese culture due to its pronunciation resembling words for “flowing” and “smooth.” It’s frequently sought after in phone numbers, license plates, and business addresses, with the phrase “六六大顺” expressing wishes for smoothness in life. In modern internet culture, “666” has evolved to mean “awesome” or “cool,” showing the number’s enduring positive associations.
The number 6, pronounced “liù” in Mandarin, holds a special place in Chinese culture due to its phonetic resemblance to the words “flowing” and “smooth.” This has led to the widespread belief that the number 6 symbolizes luck, ease, and a smooth, prosperous life.
Cultural Associations of the Number 6
In Chinese society, the number 6 is often linked with good fortune and success. For instance, the popular phrase:
- “六六大顺 (liùliù dàshùn)” expresses a wish for everything to go smoothly, reflecting a cultural aspiration for effortless progress in various areas of life.
Because of this strong association, people often seek out:
- Phone numbers
- License plates
- Business addresses
that contain the number 6, believing these will bring them luck and prosperity.
The Significance of 66 in Life Events
The number 6 also plays an important role in life events. For example, celebrating a 66th birthday in China is especially meaningful, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. It is a moment to honor the individual’s journey and express hopes for their future well-being.
666 (liù liù liù)
In modern Chinese internet culture, the number 6 has adopted a new meaning through the expression “666,” which is widely used to praise someone’s skill or performance, similar to saying “awesome” or “cool” in English. This usage highlights the positive associations with the number 6 in contemporary society.
Interestingly, while the number 6 is highly regarded, the sum of two sixes, 12, does not carry the same positive meaning in Chinese culture. Despite being the sum of two lucky numbers, 12 is not considered particularly fortunate, illustrating how numbers are interpreted differently across cultural contexts.
老 6 (Lǎo Liù – Old Six)
In Chinese slang, the term ‘old six’ (老六 lǎo liù) has a unique and interesting connotation. It is used to describe someone who is sly, crafty, or acts in an underhanded way in a specific situation.
For instance, in gaming contexts, if someone hides and waits for the right moment to strike without being noticed, they may be called ‘old six’. While often humorous, it can carry a derogatory connotation depending on the context.
Lucky number 8 ( 八, Pinyin: bā)
The number 8 is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture, primarily because its pronunciation resembles the word for “prosper” or “wealth” (发). Its significance was notably demonstrated during the Beijing Olympics, which began at 20:08 on 08/08/2008. The number is particularly sought after in phone numbers, addresses, and significant dates, with combinations like 168 and 518 carrying additional meanings related to prosperity.
What is the Luckiest Number in Chinese Culture? The number 8 (八, Pinyin: bā) in Chinese is considered extremely lucky because it sounds similar to the word for “prosper” or “wealth” (发 – often paired with “发财” during Chinese New Year).
The number is also used alone or paired with other compound words that carry meanings of luck or success (Pinyin: fā). In regional dialects, such as Cantonese, the words for eight and fortune are similarly pronounced (“baat” and “faat”).
Also, note that the shape of the number 8 resembles the mathematical symbol of infinity (∞), symbolizing unending prosperity.
8 is always a lucky number for Chinese New Year!
Symbolism and Popularity of 8
In Chinese culture, the concept of luck often intertwines with infinity, which is why the number 8 is so widely preferred. It is especially popular in:
- Phone numbers
- Mobile numbers
- House numbers
- Car plates
- Significant dates
- Product Price
One famous example is the Beijing Olympics, which began at 20:08 on 08/08/2008, further reinforcing the cultural importance of the number.
Modern Numerical Lingo
In modern Chinese internet culture, numerical lingo has become trendy. Some popular examples include:
- 518: Sounds like “Wo Yao Fa” (我要发), meaning “I want to be very wealthy.”
- 88: Sounds like “Ba Ba”, which resembles “bye-bye” in English and is commonly used in instant messaging.
lucky number 8 combinations
The Meaning of 168
Another highly auspicious number in Chinese culture is 168, because of its phonetic resemblance to the phrase “一路发” (yī lù fā), which translates to:
- “Prosperity all the way”
- “A path to wealth”
Each individual number contributes to this positive meaning:
- 1 (yī): Sounds like “一”, meaning “one” or “continuous”.
- 6 (liù): Sounds like “流”, meaning “flowing” or “smooth”.
- 8 (bā): Resembles “发” (fā), meaning “to prosper.”
Together, 168 is seen as a wish for continuous and smooth progress toward financial success. This is why it’s highly sought after in:
- Business ventures
- Phone numbers
- License plates
For many, 168 acts as a lucky charm that ensures a prosperous life journey.
The Limits of 8’s Luck
However, the luck associated with 8 does not automatically extend to numbers that add up to 8. For example:
- 5+3 (53)
- 1+7 (17)
These numbers are not considered lucky in Chinese culture. The phonetic connection to “fa” is what gives the number 8 its special status. Without that, other numbers—even those that add up to 8—do not carry the same auspicious meaning.
In summary, the significance of the number 8 in Chinese business and daily life stems from its association with good fortune, making it a sought-after number in many areas of life, from weddings to major business deals.
Lucky number 9 (九, Pinyin: jiŭ)
Number 9 holds special significance as a symbol of longevity and imperial power in Chinese culture, despite being an odd number. It shares pronunciation with “久” (jiǔ), meaning “everlasting,” and was historically associated with imperial authority through the phrase “九五之尊.” The number’s cultural importance is reflected in traditions like gifting 99 or 999 roses to symbolize eternal love.
In Chinese culture, even numbers are generally regarded as luckier. However, the number 9, despite being an odd number, holds a particularly auspicious place. This is because 9 shares its pronunciation with the word “久” (jiǔ), which means “everlasting”.
Additionally, the number 9 is considered the ultimate yang number, representing nobility, authority, and supremacy. In ancient China, emperors were often referred to as “九五之尊” (Jiǔ Wǔ Zhī Zūn), where both “nine” and “five” held special symbolic significance. The number 9, in particular, symbolized supreme status and absolute power.
Symbolism of 9 in Love and Eternal Blessings
The number 9 also carries connotations of longevity and eternity. For example, people often say “天长地久” (tiān cháng dì jiǔ), which uses “nine” to express lasting emotions and unwavering relationships.
Symbolism of 9 in Love and Eternal Blessings
The number 9 also carries connotations of longevity and eternity. For example, people often say “天长地久” (tiān cháng dì jiǔ), which uses “nine” to express lasting emotions and unwavering relationships.
In traditional blessings, the phrase “九如” (Jiǔ Rú) is frequently used to wish someone enduring happiness and well-being. The “nine similes” in the blessing represent:
- As tall as a mountain,
- As vast as a hill,
- As solid as a ridge,
- As steadfast as a mound,
- As constant as flowing rivers,
- As everlasting as the moon,
- As radiant as the rising sun,
- As long-lived as the Southern Mountain,
- As flourishing as pine and cypress trees.
This poetic phrase conveys wishes for eternal fortune and long-term happiness.
For example, on Valentine’s Day, it is customary for a man to gift his lover 99 or 999 roses even 9999 roses, symbolizing eternal love. Similarly, in traditional Chinese weddings, the groom often presents a red packet containing CNY 9,999 or CNY 99,999 to the bride’s family, wishing for a marriage that lasts forever.
This belief in the auspicious power of the number 9 even led to a surge in weddings during the year 1999, as couples sought to harness its promise of enduring love.
Number 9 and Imperial Traditions
The number 9 also has deep connections to imperial traditions.
For example: The Forbidden City is said to have 9,999 rooms, reflecting the emperor’s desire for longevity and eternal rule.
The pronunciation of 9, echoing the word for “long-lasting”, reinforces its association with durability and permanence in both personal and historical contexts.
Unlucky number 4 (四, Pinyin: sì)
The number 4 is considered highly unlucky in Chinese culture because its pronunciation (sì) sounds similar to the word for “death” (死 sǐ). This association is so strong that many buildings skip the fourth, fourteenth, and twenty-fourth floors. However, when combined with other numbers, such as in 1314, it can take on positive meanings related to lifetime commitment.
Why is the Number 4 Unlucky in China? The number 4 is often avoided in Chinese culture, similar to how the number 13 is viewed in the Western world. This aversion arises from the pronunciation of the word “four” in Chinese (sì), which is phonetically similar to the word for “death” (死 sǐ).
Negative Associations of the Number 4
Because of this association with death, many people avoid the number 4 in various aspects of daily life. Examples include:
- Many buildings, particularly hotels, skipping the fourth, fourteenth, and twenty-fourth floors.
- People often avoid the number when choosing telephone numbers or vehicle identification numbers to prevent any connection to death or misfortune.
Newer Interpretations of the Number 4
In some regions, a newer perspective on the number 4 has emerged. The pronunciation of “fa” (in musical notes) shares a sound with “发” (fā), which means “to prosper” or “to get rich.”
As a result:
- Some now view 4 as a lucky number, associating it with wealth and success instead of bad luck.
Positive Combinations with 4
Certain combinations involving the number 4 have taken on positive meanings, especially in romantic contexts. A notable example is the sequence 1314:
- 1314 is pronounced “yī sān yī sì” in Chinese, which sounds like “一生一世” (yī shēng yī shì), meaning “for a lifetime”.
This phrase is commonly used to express:
- Eternal love and commitment. As a result, the number combination 1314 has become a popular and auspicious symbol, especially for romantic contexts, representing enduring love and a lifelong bond.
Western Lucky Numbers
Western cultures have their own set of lucky numbers, with 7 being considered particularly fortunate due to its religious and mystical significance. The numbers 3 and 12 also hold special meaning in Western traditions, appearing frequently in religious contexts and natural cycles. These numerical associations differ notably from Chinese cultural interpretations.
Number 7:
In Western cultures, the number 7 is often seen as the luckiest of all. It carries religious and mystical significance, appearing frequently in biblical references, myths, and legends. For example, the world was created in seven days according to the Bible, and there are seven wonders of the ancient world.
Number 3:
Another number with positive connotations in the West is 3. It symbolizes completeness and harmony. This number is prevalent in stories, such as the three wishes in fairy tales, and in religious contexts, such as the Christian Holy Trinity.
Number 12:
The number 12 also holds a special place in Western cultures. Unlike in China, where it is seen as an ordinary number, 12 symbolizes order and structure. Examples include the 12 months of the year and the 12 apostles in Christianity.
Shared Symbolism in China and the West
Despite cultural differences, some numbers like 5 and 10 share similar symbolic meanings in both Chinese and Western traditions. The number 5 represents balance and harmony in both cultures, while 10 is universally regarded as a symbol of perfection and completeness. These shared interpretations highlight common ground in numerical symbolism across cultures.
Number 5:
Interestingly, both Chinese and Western cultures see the number 5 as a symbol of balance and harmony. In Western traditions, it often represents the human body, with its five fingers, toes, and senses, emphasizing its association with wholeness and health.
Number 10:
The number 10 is another point of convergence between the two cultures. It is universally regarded as a symbol of perfection and completeness. In both Chinese and Western numerology, 10 is seen as the culmination of a cycle, reflecting its importance in counting and mathematics.
Specified Number-Related Questions
- Is 6 a lucky number in Chinese?
- Yes, the number 6 is considered very lucky in Chinese culture. Its pronunciation, “liù”, sounds similar to “流” (liú), which means smooth and flowing, symbolizing ease and prosperity. Therefore, people often prefer to include the number 6 in phone numbers, license plates, etc.
- Is 8 a lucky number in Chinese?
- The number 8 is one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. It is pronounced “bā”, which sounds like “发” (fā) in “发财” (fācái), meaning to prosper or to wealth. For instance, the 2008 Beijing Olympics were scheduled to start at 8 p.m. on 08/08/2008 to attract good fortune.
- Is 9 a lucky number in Chinese?
- The number 9 is also a lucky number in Chinese culture, with the pronunciation “jiǔ” meaning long-lasting. Historically, the number 9 was associated with imperial power and respect, as denoted by phrases like “九五之尊” (Jiǔ Wǔ Zhī Zūn), signifying supreme status.
- Is 13 an unlucky number in Chinese culture?
- While the number 13 is often considered unlucky in Western cultures, it does not have a specific negative connotation in Chinese culture. The most notable unlucky number in China is 4, due to its pronunciation sounding similar to the word for “death”.
Additional Questions
- What does the number 7 signify in Chinese culture?
- In Chinese culture, the number 7 generally does not have specific lucky or unlucky meanings. However, in some regions, it is considered to represent spiritual completeness and a phase in life.
- Does the number 1314 have special meaning in Chinese?
- The number 1314 has a special meaning in Chinese, sounding like “一生一世” (yīshēng yīshì), which means “forever” or “for a lifetime”. It is popular in romantic contexts and is often used to express eternal love.
- What is the significance of the number 250 in Chinese slang?
- In Chinese slang, “二百五” (250) is used to describe someone foolish or silly. Despite being a numerical figure, its cultural meaning is different, representing a character trait rather than a literal number.
- Are there any numbers considered universally good or bad across cultures?
- While beliefs about numbers vary across cultures, some numbers like 8 are often considered lucky in many cultures due to their associations with wealth and prosperity.
- How do Chinese people use lucky numbers in daily life?
- Chinese people extensively use lucky numbers in daily life, particularly when selecting dates for weddings, business openings, buying properties, choosing phone numbers, and other significant choices.
- What role do unlucky numbers play in modern Chinese society?
- Despite increasing rationality in modern society, unlucky numbers like 4 are still commonly avoided, especially in choices involving apartment floor numbers and vehicle license plates.
Tell us lucky number and unlucky number in your culture!
