Chinese Numbers 1-10: 2024 Ultimate Guide to Count in Mandarin

The Ultimate 2024 Guide to Count in Mandarin – In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to count in Mandarin Chinese from 1 to 10. Whether you’re a beginner or have some prior knowledge, this guide will help you master the correct pronunciation and writing of Chinese numbers. Join us and enhance your Mandarin skills by mastering the fundamental skill of counting in Chinese!

Part 1. How to Count to 1-10 in Chinese?

Are you ready to learn how to count in Mandarin? In this section, we will delve deeper into the Chinese numbers 1-10 and provide a comprehensive guide on how to count from one to ten. Let’s begin with the meaning of each number in Mandarin. The Chinese numbers 1-10, when written in characters, are 一(yī),二(èr),三(sān),四(sì),五(wǔ),六(liù),七(qī),八(bā),九(jiǔ) and 十(shí).

Each number also has a corresponding hand signal, which can be helpful in communicating when there is a language barrier. Practice the pronunciation of each number by repeating after the audio and pay attention to the differences between Mandarin and Cantonese, another Chinese dialect. Now you are ready to move on to counting in Chinese! 

Part 2. How to Learn Chinese Number Characters?

Learning the Chinese number characters can seem daunting at first, but with practice and repetition, it is possible to master them. In Mandarin, each character represents a specific number. For example, 一(yī) represents the number one, 二(èr) represents the number two, and so on. It is important to note that Chinese characters are written in a specific order and direction, which may differ from how we write numbers in Western languages. To help with this, you can find Chinese numbers charts online or in language learning materials where you can practice writing each character correctly. Additionally, there are many resources available for learning Chinese number writing, including books, videos, and online courses. Utilizing these resources can greatly aid in your understanding and mastery of the Chinese numbers symbols.

The Characters for Numbers 1-10

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Chinese characters for numbers 1-10. As mentioned before, one is represented by 一(yī), two is represented by 二(èr), and so on. The character for each number has its own unique strokes and structures that make it different from other numbers. This may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, you will become more comfortable with recognizing and writing each character. It is also worth noting that Chinese characters can have different pronunciations depending on the context they are used in, so it is important to continue practicing their use in various situations.

Numbers Beyond 100

In addition to the basic Chinese numbers 1-10, it is also useful to learn how to count beyond 100. In Mandarin, numbers are grouped in sets of ten thousand. For example, 十(three)万(èr) represents thirty thousand, and 百(bǎi)万(wàn) represents one million. It may seem complicated, but once you understand the pattern, it becomes easier to count in larger numbers. To practice counting beyond 100, try writing out different combinations of numbers and their corresponding characters. With dedication and practice, you will soon become comfortable with counting in Chinese!

Part 3. Counting 1-10 With Hand Signals (With Pronunciation)

As mentioned earlier, each Chinese number also has a corresponding hand signal. These hand signals are used to represent the numbers and can be helpful in communicating when there is a language barrier. Here are the hand signals for the Chinese numbers 1-10:

Here’s an updated table with the Chinese numbers 1-10, their pinyin pronunciation, hand gesture description, and the corresponding English numbers:

Chinese	Pinyin	Description	English
一	yī	Hold up your index finger.	One
二	èr	Hold up two fingers with your palm facing outward.	Two
三	sān	Hold up three fingers with your palm facing outward and your thumb touching the base of your pinky finger.	Three
四	sì	Hold up four fingers with your palm facing inward and your thumb resting on top of your ring finger.	Four
五	wǔ	Hold up all five fingers with your palm facing inward.	Five
六	liù	Hold up six fingers with your palm facing outward and your thumb resting on the base of your middle finger.	Six
七	qī	Hold up seven fingers with your palm facing upward, making a peace sign with your index and middle fingers.	Seven
八	bā	Hold up all eight fingers with your palms facing inward.	Eight
九	jiǔ	Cross your index and middle fingers while holding up seven fingers on one hand.	Nine
十	shí	Hold up all ten fingers with your palms facing inward.	Ten

Practice these hand signals along with the corresponding Chinese numbers to improve your communication skills in Mandarin.

Part 4. Chinese Telephone Numbers & Hand Gestures

Now that you have a good grasp of the Chinese numbers 1-10, it’s time to explore how they are used in practical situations. In China, telephone numbers are usually seven or eight digits long and can be memorized easily by assigning a corresponding hand gesture for each number. For example, if the phone number ends with the digit two (二), you can use the hand signal for two (hold up two fingers with your palm facing outward) to remember it. Many Chinese people also use this technique when sharing their telephone numbers with others, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the corresponding hand gestures.

Part 5. Interesting Facts About Chinese Numbers

Did you know that the Chinese number 8 (八) is considered lucky in Chinese culture? This is because the pronunciation of “eight” (bā) in Mandarin sounds similar to the word for “prosperity” or “wealth” (fā). As a result, many people will pay extra money to have 8 in their phone numbers or license plates. Additionally, the number 4 (四) is considered unlucky because its pronunciation sounds similar to the word for “death” (sǐ). This is why many buildings in China do not have a fourth floor or any floors with the number four in them. These are just some of the interesting cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding Chinese numbers.

Part 6. Measuring Words in Mandarin Chinese

Another aspect of learning Chinese numbers is understanding how they are used in measuring. In Mandarin, you cannot say “one apple” or “two pens” without using a specific measure word after the number. These measure words are similar to units of measurement in English (e.g. one apple vs one kilogram) and must be paired with their corresponding noun. Examples of common measure words include 个(gè) for general objects, 杯(bēi) for cups or glasses, and 张(zhāng) for flat objects like paper. Learning these measure words along with the numbers will greatly improve your ability to use Mandarin in everyday situations.

FAQs

Q: How do I pronounce Chinese numbers correctly?

A: Pronunciation of Chinese numbers can vary depending on the context they are used in. It is important to practice their use in different situations to improve your understanding and pronunciation. Additionally, utilizing resources such as online courses and videos can greatly aid in learning the correct pronunciation of Chinese numbers.

Q: Are there any cultural beliefs or superstitions surrounding Chinese numbers?

A: Yes, there are various cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding Chinese numbers. For example, the number 8 is considered lucky because its pronunciation sounds similar to the word for “prosperity” or “wealth.” On the other hand, the number 4 is believed to be unlucky due to its association with the word for “death.” These beliefs often dictate the use of certain numbers in daily life, such as phone numbers and addresses.

Summary

In Mandarin Chinese, numbers are grouped in sets of ten thousand and have corresponding hand signals. These can be useful for communication and memorizing telephone numbers. In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky due to their pronunciation. Learning to measure words is also important when using numbers in Mandarin. It is crucial to practice the pronunciation and usage of Chinese numbers to fully understand them. So, in summary, mastering Chinese numbers 1-10 not only helps with counting and communication but also provides insight into the cultural beliefs surrounding them.