Lucky Numbers China
Lucky numbers are believed to bring them good luck in all aspects of life. In China, even numbers are usually known for being more lucky than odd numbers. That is why gifts are known to be given in even numbers for the celebration of all occasions. The number 8 has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. Unlucky Numbers in China. There are plenty of lucky numbers in the Chinese culture, and that speaks to the positive feeling and energy in the culture. With that being said, the numbers 4 and 14 are considered two of the unluckiest numbers in Chinese culture. Number four is an unlucky number because it sounds like “Si,” which means death in. Bulk buy lucky numbers online from Chinese suppliers on dhgate.com. Get deals with coupon and discount code! Source high quality products in hundreds of categories wholesale direct from China.
The Chinese are a superstitious bunch, especially among old people. From way back in the old days up to today, numbers have played a significant role in decision-making in China, and the superstition around numbers has been exported all over the world by Chinese communities.
In a lot of cases, the Chinese choose lucky numbers and avoid unlucky numbers in a variety of situations. For example, when choosing cellphone numbers, wedding dates, apartment numbers, license plates, etc.
WHAT MAKES A NUMBER LUCKY OR UNLUCKY?
In China, the lucky or unlucky-ness of a number usually depends on its pronunciation, and whether this pronunciation is similar to words that connote good stuff or bad stuff. Let’s take a look at the number 6 as an example:
- 6 (六) is pronounced liù in Chinese
- To ‘flow’ (流) is pronounced similarly as líu.
- The implication is that the number 6 means stuff will flow smoothly.
Lucky Numbers in Chinese
Two
The number two (二), prounounced èr, as well as other variations of the word, might be the second most valuable number in Chinese culture behind the number eight. This number suggests harmony and balance, as good things usually come in pairs. House and office decorations are usually decked out in twos, like 2 candles, 2 pillows, etc.
If you attend a Chinese wedding ceremony, you might notice doors, gates and windows with a paper-cut 囍, pronounced xǐ, meaning double happiness, stuck on them.
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Three
Number 3 (三), pronounced sān, is one of the luckiest odd numbers due to its similarity in sound to 产 (chǎn), meaning birth. This number also represents the three stages in the life of humans – birth, marriage,and death. Depending on its use, the number three can be unlucky, too. For example, gifting to friends or to couples will rarely contain multiples of three. The pronunciation of sān is similar to 散 which means ‘to part ways’.
Six
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As has already been mentioned, the number six is considered lucky in Chinese culture. In addition to meaning ‘flowing smoothly’, six can also mean ‘well-off’. Are you noticing a theme here? Yes, the Chinese like money.
On special occasions when gifts are given in China, they usually include something centred around a lucky number. For example, when a couple gets engaged, the man customarily offers a gift to the girl’s family which is usually money (RMB 6,666). In China, it’s not uncommon to have new ventures or contracts signed on dates that have 6 in them.
Seven
Like number three, number seven has positive and negative connotations. Seven (七) is pronounced qī, which sounds similar to both 起 (qǐ), which means ‘start’ or ‘rise’, and also 气 (qì), which means ‘vital energy’. Seven can also be seen as a lucky number in relationships. Chinese Valnentine’s Day, also known as The Qixi Festival (七夕節), falls on the 7th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar.
Eight
Eight has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese. Bā which sounds similar to fā, connotes financial success, prosperity, and high social status. This means the number 8 is very important to people in the world of business.
If it’s on a building, the eight floor is the most in demand in terms of occupancy and value. The opening sceremony for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 began at exactly 8 minutes and 8 seconds past 8 pm on the 8th August, the 8th month of the 8th year of the 21st century.
Nine
Number nine (九), pronounced jiǔ, means eternal life or longevity. To explain to you how Chinese take the number 9 seriously, in the Forbidden City in Beijing, there are 9,999 rooms. It is also a practice between sweethearts to give 99 roses for the belief of best wishes for their everlasting love.
Unlucky Numbers
Four
Number 4 (四), pronounced sì, is considered the unluckiest number of all. Why? Because it sounds very similar to the word for death (死). You’ll notice in a lot of buildings in China that the elevators will be missing the fourth floor.
Five
Five (五), pronounced wǔ, means without or not. This connotes the impossibility to achieve goals. However, five can also mean good luck as it is also associated with the five elements – earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. The elements are regarded as the basis of the world in ancient Chinese culture and they’re associated with the Chinese emperor.
Seven (七), prounced qí, means and sounds like the Chinese word for cheating in Chinese and is linked with the seventh month which is August. This month is considered a ghost month, bad for business and for everything else important in life.
Seven
Seven (七), pronounced qī is considered unlucky in one sense, as it sounds very similar to 欺 , meaning ‘cheat’.
LUCKY NUMBER COMBINATIONS
Lucky and unlucky numbers in Chinese can be combined to add layers of meaning.
- 1366 – For many in The West, the number 13 is considered bad luck. But for the Chinese, when combined with 66, it is considered lucky. 13 is pronounced similar to the Chinese word that means a lifetime and 6 represents smoothness.
- 1988 – In Chinese, 19 sounds similar to ‘forever’ and 8 sounds like the same character which means ‘make a fortune’.
- 3344 and 1314 The way they are pronounced sounds like forever and a lifetime in Chinese. These are expressed by lovers to say their eternal love and affection for each other.
- 1666, 888, 666 and 366 – These are lucky number combinations for the Chinese New Year. They also correspond to the amount of money being placed inside the 红豹 hóngbāo (red envelopes) are given out. They are considered blessings by the older generation to the youth with the added hope that their lives will be smooth.