numbers. But the Chinese are considered apart from them because they have a firm belief in the existence of such numbers. While exploring its culture, you should learn what the lucky number is in Chinese. It will help you understand the culture properly and analyze how firmly they believe in such concepts. This blog will mainly focus on those numbers that are considered lucky in this culture. Here we will show you what numbers are considered lucky in this culture and why.
Part 1. What is the Lucky Number in Chinese?
As mentioned earlier, numbers play a significant role in the Chinese culture and beliefs of its followers. It is important to understand Chinese lucky numbers and their meanings to adjust in this country. Doesn’t matter if you are not a follower of this culture, you need to learn what the lucky number is in Chinese to survive with its people. That’s why we have listed the numbers that are considered lucky in Chinese culture.
Numbers and their sounds in Chinese
Number 8 (八)
Among other numbers, “8” is considered the luckiest number in Chinese because of its positive meaning. In Chinese, “8” is pronounced like the word “Fa” which means fortune in this language. It means this number shows that the person who is connected with it is fortunate and will have a happy life. Moreover, this number also has another meaning or connection with the phrases like “wealth coming from 8 sides”. Simply, this number explains that it can make you lucky enough to get money from 8 corners of the world. That’s the reason why Chinese people try their best to choose this number everywhere like mobile numbers, dates, etc. You will find this number at the top when searching what is lucky number in Chinese.
Number 8 showing the Chinese symbol and its lucky meanings
Number 2 (二)
When you are reading about what is lucky number in Chinese, you should understand the concept that the Chinese consider even numbers lucky as compared to odd. It is because all good things exist in the world in the form of pairs. That’s why they consider the number “2” as another lucky number that can offer them good fortune. In the Chinese language, “2” is pronounced “Liang” which shows the germination and growth in this culture.
Number 3 (三)
If you are looking to learn from odd numbers and understand what number is lucky in Chinese from this category, you should read about “3”. It is a part of the odd numbers list but is considered lucky because of its positive roots in Buddhist culture. Number 3 is associated with Buddha, Dharma, and Bonze in this culture which makes it a lucky number instead of being unlucky like other odd numbers. The Chinese people also burn three incense sticks to pray to Buddha for the removal of bad impacts from their lives. It gives this number prominent importance from other odd numbers when reading what is lucky number in Chinese.
Number 6 (六)
Another even number that is considered lucky in Chinese is “6” which means “to flow” in this culture. It is pronounced like “Liu” in this language which shows that life will keep growing smoothly. Simply, the number “6” is associated with the meaning of smooth progress and growth. That’s why, these people prefer to be engaged or married on the “6” date of the month. Also, this number is considered lucky for businesses that encourage them to sign their contracts or make deals on this date. You will find this number most impactful in every blog about what is lucky number in Chinese.
Number 9 (九)
Like the number “6” and “8”, “9” also has a similar meaning that represents everlasting growth. That’s why it is kept in the list of what is lucky number in Chinese in this blog. This number shows that the person associated with it will keep on growing without borders and their success will be long-lasting. Moreover, it is the highest single digit number raises its importance in Chinese culture and makes the belief stronger.
Part 2. Choosing what is my lucky number in Chinese
Till now, you have learned what is lucky number in Chinese. But it is still unknown how you can decide which number from the above list is lucky for you. In Chinese culture, it all depends on the Zodiac Calander of this culture. Here is a table showing the Zodiac symbols and lucky numbers associated with them.
Chinese Zodiac | Lucky Numbers |
Rat | 2, 3 |
Ox | 1, 9 |
Tiger | 1, 3, 4 |
Rabbit | 2, 4, 9 |
Dragon | 1, 6, 7 |
Snake | 2, 8, 9 |
Horse | 2, 3, 7 |
Sheep | 3, 4, 9 |
Monkey | 1, 7, 8 |
Rooster | 5, 7, 8 |
Dog | 3, 4, 9 |
Pig | 2, 5, 8 |
By evaluating the above table as per your year of birth, you can easily evaluate your lucky number. You don’t need to struggle to know what is my lucky number in Chinese if you belong to this culture and know your birth year as per the Zodiac calendar of China.
Part 3. What is the unlucky number in China?
In addition to learning what is lucky number in Chinese, you need to understand the unlucky numbers too. It will help you follow this culture properly and avoid those numbers to be safe according to this culture. The number “4 (四)” is considered the unlucky number for the majority of people who follow this culture. The reason this number sounds similar to “Si” in Chinese is that is associated with “death”. That’s why this number is considered the unlucky as a single digit and sometimes even after the combination with other numbers. Chinese have a strong belief in this lucky/unlucky culture that they don’t use the number “4” in elevators, floor numbers, ID cards, and addresses. It shows how superstitious Chinese people are regarding luck/unluck based on the numbers. That’s the reason you should know these numbers too instead of learning what is lucky number in Chinese.
Part 4. Why do the Chinese believe in lucky/unlucky numbers?
Chinese is the most superstitious nation in the world. In this culture, numbers have great importance as they believe that numbers decide the fortune of any person who is associated with them. It is not where their beliefs come to an end but they have a strong belief in their Zodiac Calander that has been shown earlier on this page. According to their belief, a baby who is born in the specific Zodiac year will have similar qualities similar to the animal with which the year is associated. Moreover, they avoid picking unlucky numbers as they are the biggest hurdle for them to achieve their aims. You will see a large proportion of people from the country learning about what is lucky number in Chinese. That’s why, you may not be able to see the number “4” in elevators and buildings as they think it can be dangerous for those buildings.
Part 5. FAQs About What is the Lucky Number in Chinese
Is 4 a lucky number in Chinese?
“4” is a lucky number for a few people in China who are born in the “Tiger”, “Sheep”, and “Dog” Zodiac years.
Why is 168 lucky in China?
In Chinese, the number 1 means “one”, 6 belongs to “path” and 8 represents “prosperity” which collectively shows “one path to prosperity” which makes it lucky in this culture.
What does 8 mean in Chinese?
In Chinese, the number “8” belongs to prosperity and fortune. It also belongs to many other concepts like getting rich by earning money from all parts of the world.
Part 6. Summary
By reading this blog, you must have learned what is lucky number in Chinese. The meanings for all lucky and unlucky numbers have been mentioned and elaborated on in this guide. We hope you have understood the Chinese lucky numbers and their impact on this culture. Being a learner of this culture, you must be aware of which numbers are chosen by Chinese people and why.
Master’s degree in Education from the University of Plymouth, UK. He has 8 years of Chinese literacy, Chinese classic words, Chinese pinyin and other Chinese enlightenment and international Chinese online teaching experience. He is proficient in Chinese and English and has served as a teacher in the K12 education system overseas for many years.