Welcome to the fascinating world of Chinese number superstitions! Numbers in Chinese culture hold incredible significance, often influencing daily life in ways that might surprise you. Let’s dive into some of the most notable numbers!
1. The Magic Behind Numbers: It’s All About Wordplay!
In Chinese culture, numbers aren’t just for math – they’re a secret code! 🕵️ Why? Because many numbers sound like meaningful words. Let’s break it down:
| Number | Chinese Pronunciation | Sounds Like… | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | sì | 死 (sǐ) | Death 😱 |
| 8 | bā | 发 (fā) | Wealth 💰 |
| 6 | liù | 流 (liú) | Smooth 🌀 |
| 9 | jiǔ | 久 (jiǔ) | Longevity 🌱 |
Real-Life Impact:
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A Beijing license plate with “888” sold for $140,000 – that’s triple the car’s value! 🚗
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Many buildings skip the 4th floor (labeled as “5F” instead).
2. The Notorious Number 4: China’s “Unlucky 13”
Why the Fear?
The number 4 (sì) sounds nearly identical to 死 (sǐ) – the word for “death.” This affects daily life more than you’d think:
Where You’ll See It:
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🏥 Hospitals: No Room 4 or Floor 4 (patients hate it!).
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✈️ Airlines: China Eastern skips Row 4 on planes.
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💍 Weddings: Dates with 4s are avoided (April 4 = double trouble!).
But Wait! In music, 4 (Fa) means “prosperity” – so it’s safe in concert halls! 🎵
3. Number 8: The Ultimate Lucky Charm
Why Obsession?
8 (bā) rhymes with 发 (fā) – meaning “wealth” or “fortune.” It’s like finding a four-leaf clover 🍀 every day!
Examples:
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The 2008 Beijing Olympics started at 8:08 PM on 8/8/08.
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A Hong Kong phone number “8888 8888” sold for $2.3 million. 📱
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Property prices with 8s (e.g., Unit 808) cost 15-20% more.
Bonus: 168 = “一路发” (yī lù fā) = “Continuous prosperity all the way!” 🚀
4. Other Numbers You Should Know
a) 6 (Liù) – The Smooth Operator
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Sounds like 流 (liú) – “flow.” People love 6 for careers and relationships.
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Texting Code: 666 = “Awesome!” (Like “Lit!” in English).
b) 9 (Jiǔ) – Forever Love
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Matches 久 (jiǔ) – “long time.” Popular in weddings (e.g., 999 roses = eternal love). 💐
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Warning: Avoid 9 in hospitals – it hints at “long illness.”
c) 7 (Qī) – Spooky Romance
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Sounds like 妻 (qī) – “wife.” Good for marriage dates (7/7 is Chinese Valentine’s Day!).
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But… 7 also relates to ghosts (July = Ghost Month 👻).
5. How to Use Numbers Like a Local
Dos ✅
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Tip ￥8.88 for good service (means “triple fortune”).
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Choose 6 or 8-related dates for job interviews/weddings.
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Buy phone numbers with 168 or 888 endings.
Don’ts ❌
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Gift 4 of anything (flowers? Money? Big no!).
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Joke about “going to 4th floor” in elevators.
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Book hospital visits on the 4th, 14th, or 24th.
6. When Numbers Collide: Fun Combos
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520 (wǔ èr líng): Sounds like “I love you” (我爱你 wǒ ài nǐ). 💖
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1314 (yī sān yī sì): “One lifetime” (一生一世 yīshēng yīshì).
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7456 (qī sì wǔ liù): “气死我了!” (qìsǐ wǒle) = “I’m furious!” 😤
7. Why This Matters Beyond Superstition
Chinese number culture reflects deeper values:
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Harmony: Avoiding 4 shows respect for others’ comfort.
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Hope: Loving 8 isn’t greed – it’s about wishing prosperity for loved ones.
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Poetry: Numbers are wordplay art, like Shakespearean rhymes!
Final Tip: Relax and Play Along!
Don’t stress about memorizing all this. Even Chinese millennials mix up number rules sometimes! When in doubt:
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Observe: Does the elevator skip Floor 4? Follow the crowd!
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Ask: “Is this number lucky?” (这个数字吉利吗？ Zhège shùzì jílì ma?)
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Laugh: If you accidentally gift 4 apples, just say: “Sì sounds like ‘seed’ – I’m wishing you new beginnings!” 🍎
🔗 Cultural Bridge: Next time you see 8s in Chinatown, smile – you’re in on the secret!
Discussion Time: What’s the most surprising number rule in your culture? Share below! 👇