Lucky Number 8 in Chinese – Comprehensive Guide [2024]

In Chinese culture, the number 8 is very special and brings good luck. Think about a time when you needed a little extra luck in your life. Maybe when starting a business, choosing a date for a big event, or even picking a phone number. 

This article is all about the lucky number 8 in Chinese tradition. It explains why this number is so lucky and how it can help you in everyday life. From small choices to big decisions, learn how the number 8 can bring good fortune and make things better for you.

Lucky number 8 in Chinese, why?

In China, people think the number 8 is the luckiest because it is linked to getting rich. In Chinese, the word for ‘eight’ (八) is ‘ba’, and it sounds a lot like ‘fa’ (发, traditional character: 發), used in the phrase ‘facai’ (发财), which means to get rich quickly.

There are lots of sayings with the number 8. For example, “Bamian laicai” (八面来財) means ‘wealth coming from all directions’. It’s like saying money will come from everywhere. Another one is “Bamian chunfeng” (八面春风), which means ‘spring breeze from eight directions’. It’s a way of wishing someone good luck in everything they do.

Interestingly, 8 also sounds like the word for “a hundred” (pronounced “baak”), symbolizing increased wealth. Moreover, the shape of the number 8 resembles the infinity symbol, adding to its mystical appeal.

The Chinese enthusiasm for the number 8 is evident in many examples:

• A resident of Hangzhou put up his A88888 license plate for sale, asking a staggering ¥1.12 million (about AU$219,000).
• A phone number with all 8s was purchased by Sichuan Airlines in Chengdu for ¥2.33 million (around AU$450,000).
• Interestingly, China and several surrounding regions, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, and Singapore, all share the UTC+08:00 time zone.
• Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Sri Lankan Airlines often use flight numbers starting with 8 for routes to China.

Some Amazing Facts About Lucky Number 8 in Chinese Culture

The number 8 is considered extremely lucky in Chinese culture, and this is due to a variety of reasons:

• Pronunciation and Meaning: In Mandarin Chinese, the word for eight (八, bā) sounds similar to the word which means ‘prosper’ or ‘wealth’ (发, pronounced fā). Due to this phonetic similarity, eight is associated with bringing wealth and prosperity.
• Cultural Significance: The lucky number 8 in Chinese is often associated with many aspects of culture and life, including the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology and the concept of ba gua (八卦), which are eight symbols used in Taoist cosmology to represent the fundamental principles of reality.
• Beijing Olympics 2008: The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 famously started at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 PM on the 8th day of the 8th month (August 8), reflecting the country’s love for the number.
• Business and Commerce: In China, the number 8 is often incorporated in business and commerce. It’s common to see phone numbers, addresses, and license plates with the number 8, as they are believed to bring good fortune and high status.
• Real Estate Pricing: Apartments on the eighth floor of buildings are often much more expensive than those on other floors. Similarly, properties with the number 8 in the address often command higher prices.
• Numerology and Feng Shui: In Chinese numerology and Feng Shui, the number 8 is considered very powerful. It’s believed to balance the energy in a space, bringing harmony and prosperity.
• Global Recognition: The affinity for the number 8 is not just confined to China. The influence of Chinese culture worldwide has led to a global recognition of 8 as a lucky number in many places.

Lucky Number 8 Personality

People who are associated with the lucky number 8 in Chinese are usually strong and go after their goals. They are good at leading and making money. They work hard and are really focused on what they want to achieve. 

These people don’t give up easily and can handle tough situations well. They like things to be fair and honest. But sometimes, they work too much and forget to relax. Overall, those with the number 8 in their lives are often seen as confident and in charge.

Romantic Relationship

In romantic relationships, those influenced by the lucky number 8 in Chinese are known for their ambition and strength. They approach love with the same determination they apply to their careers, striving for success and stability in their partnerships. 

These individuals often take on a leadership role in relationships, valuing control and practicality. However, this focus on pragmatism can sometimes overshadow emotional expression. 

They seek partners who respect their drive and provide emotional depth to balance their practical nature. Loyalty and commitment are their strong suits, and they usually aim for long-term, stable relationships. For them, love is another arena where they aspire to excel and achieve.

FAQs

Q1: What does 8 mean in Chinese slang?

Answer: In Chinese slang, the number 8 (‘ba’) is associated with luck and wealth due to its phonetic resemblance to the word ‘fa’, which means to prosper or become wealthy.

Q2: Is lucky number 8 good? 

Yes, in many cultures, especially in Chinese tradition, the number 8 is considered very lucky and associated with wealth and success.

Q3: What is the lucky Colour for 8?

Answer: For those associated with the number 8, especially in Feng Shui, the lucky colors are often gold, yellow, and white.

Final Note

To sum up, the number 8 is very special and lucky in Chinese culture. People in China think 8 brings wealth and success because it sounds like the word for making money. This number is more than just a number; it’s a sign of good luck and doing well in life. You can see how important it is in many ways, like in buildings and during big events. The number 8 is not just important in China but in many places around the world. It’s a symbol of having plenty and being fortunate, showing how a simple number can mean a lot in a culture.

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