China Lucky Numbers
What are lucky numbers in China? What numbers do Chinese people not like? Chinese people care a lot about numbers, because they always associate fortune with lucky numbers, no matter for the meaning or pronunciation. In Chinese culture, even numbers are more auspicious than odd numbers.
In Chinese culture, 6 is considered to be a lucky number, and any time you triplicate a lucky number in Chinese, it makes it even more lucky. (Note: 8 and 9 are also considered to be lucky numbers in Chinese Culture. Thus, 888 and 999 are also considered to be very lucky numbers.). A phone number with consecutive digits, let alone a string of five of the same, is rare and considered lucky in China. A string of consecutive auspicious numbers is worth an even higher price. 9 (?), is pronounced as jiu. Number 9 is a mainstream number belonging to the group of lucky digits, much like 6 and 8. It is like the word that implies everlasting. In China, couples gift each other 99 roses on Valentine's Day. 9 is the most astounding single digit number and consequently speak to fulfillment. The amount given in red envelopes never includes the number ‘4’ - that means no 4, 40, or 400 amounts - as the pronunciation of ‘four’ in Chinese sounds like the word for death. However, amounts including the number ‘8’ will bring good luck and prosperity.
During the Spring Festival, quantity of Chinese New Year gifts and decorations are really important to Chinese people, since all the people expect to obtain good luck in the new year. Except for auspicious number 8, there are more lucky numbers for Chinese.
Lucky Numbers in China
When it comes to something related to numbers, Chinese people will choose lucky numbers and try to avoid unlucky numbers. This happens no matter when they select a date for some big events or choose phone numbers. Let’s get to know some lucky numbers according to Chinese culture.
►Number 8 —— 八 （bā）
Since ancient times, the number 8 has been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. First of all, the pronunciation of the number 8 is similar to the other Chinese word “发”（fā）, which means wealth and fortune. It has all the best wishes for good fortune, success and prosperity.
Second, the number 8 is related to wholeness and completeness according to the Taoist culture, so this number is deeply favored by Chinese people.
As mentioned above, the number 8 refers to “发”, which means to make a fortune. People expect to make more money, so that they love to everything related to the number 8 in the daily life. The following examples may help you have a better understanding.
- Telephone number. Phone number with the lucky number 8 will be priority. Chinese people would love to pay extra money for a telephone number with several “8”.
- License plates. If containing the lucky number 8, the license plates tend to be sold at higher prices.
- Buying an apartment. Residences on the eighth floor of buildings will be among the first to be sold out. Other addresses with the number 8 are favored by people as well.
- Important occasions. Chinese people prefer to choose good dates for important occasions, such as weddings and opening ceremonies. Beijing Olympic Games must be the perfect example, as the opening ceremony began at 8:08 pm on 08/08/2008.
►Number 6 —— 六 （liù）
The number 6 is widely known as a lucky number in China, for its pronunciation sounds like the Chinese word “流”（liú）, which is “flow” in English. Therefore, the number 6 indicates that everything will go smoothly. In western culture, 666 is associated with the devil, but it’s the opposite in Chinese culture. We’ll talk about it in the following discussion.
►Number 2 —— 二 （èr）
The number 2, “double” in Chinese, shows harmony and balance. Chinese people think that all the good things come in pairs, thus, decorations in China are usually in pairs. However, in the recent years, young people in China use this number to describe someone is reckless and innocent.
►Number 3 —— 三 （sān）
The number 3 is a lucky number according to Chinese numerology. In the ancient times, there were lots of fine combinations of the number 3. And for the pronunciation, it’s similar to “life” in mandarin Chinese, with a positive connotation.
►Number 9 —— 九 （jiǔ）
The number 9 sounds the same to the other Chinese word, which has the meaning of “eternality, everlasting and longevity”. It’s greatly used in Chinese culture and history, and always associated with the emperor. For example, there were 9,999 rooms inside the Forbidden City. In addition, the combinations of 99 and 999 are widely welcomed among Chinese people.
►Number 7 —— 七 （qī）
Traditionally, the number 7 is considered to be a lucky number. But there are different opinions on the number 7, because it has both positive and negative connotations in Chinese culture.
- Homophones. “齐”（qí） means togetherness and harmony. But “欺”（qī） means cheating.
- Traditional Festivals. The 7th of the 7th month in Chinese lunar calendar is the Chinese Valentine’s Day. But the Ghost Festival in China is also the 7th month in Chinese lunar calendar, which is on the 14th day.
Unlucky Numbers in China
►The number 4 —— 四 （sì）
For Chinese people, the number 4 is thought to be the unluckiest number, as it sounds similar to “death” in mandarin Chinese. Therefore, Chinese people will try their best to avoid this number when they choose phone numbers, license plates and dates for some events.
For Chinese New Year, neither the lucky money nor the gifts will be associated with the number 4, because Chinese people think it inauspicious.
►The number 250 —— 二百五 （èr bǎi wǔ）
Except for the number 2, the number 250 is commonly used to describe someone is stupid.
Chinese Lucky Number Combinations
When Chinese people give gifting money, they tend to choose some lucky number combinations, so that both the givers and the receivers could get the best wishes.
- 168（yī liù bā）: sounds similar to “一路发”（yī lù fā）, which means one can have good luck in making money all the way.
- 520（wǔ èr líng）: sounds similar to “我爱你”（wǒ ài nǐ） in Chinese, which means “I love you”.
- 666（liù liù liù）: means everything will go smoothly. When you say “666” to someone, it’s like a compliment, indicating someone is awesome.
- 888（bā bā bā）: as the number 8 has the best wishes for good fortune and prosperity, the number 888 is also very auspicious for Chinese people.
- 1314（yī sān yī sì）: sounds like “一生一世”（ yī shēng yī shì） in mandarin Chinese, which means the whole life. This number combination is often used by lovers, usually with 520, indicating they will love each other forever.
Number Symbolism in Chinese Culture
1: beginning, only
2: harmony, double
China Lucky Number 6
3: stability
4: death
5: me/I
6: smooth
7: holiness
Chinese Zodiac Lucky Numbers
8: wealth
9: longevity, eternality
Enjoy a Lucky Trip in China
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