Lucky And Unlucky Numbers in Chinese Culture: Complete Guide 2025
Understand Chinese Number Symbolism, Meanings, and Cultural Significance
🎯 What You’ll Learn About Chinese Numbers
Discover the fascinating world of Chinese lucky and unlucky numbers and their cultural significance. Learn why 8 is the luckiest number, why 4 is avoided, and how numbers influence daily life in China. Perfect guide for understanding Chinese culture, business practices, and traditions.
In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered “lucky” because their pronunciations sound similar to words that have “lucky” meanings. Lucky numbers are very important in Chinese culture – people select auspicious numbers when choosing residences, telephone numbers, business addresses, wedding dates, festivals and other celebratory events.
Why did the Beijing Olympics 2008 start at 8:08 on 08/08/2008? Because the number 8 in Chinese culture represents prosperity and good fortune. This comprehensive guide explores lucky numbers (2, 6, 8, 9) and the unlucky number 4 in Chinese numerology.
📋 Table of Contents
Chinese Lucky Numbers Culture Podcast
🔢 The Number 2 in Chinese Culture
(二 èr or 两 liǎng)
The number 2 is often seen as a positive symbol in Chinese numerology, representing concepts like “double,” “twinned,” and “again.” It’s considered auspicious because of the belief that “good things come in pairs” (好事成双, hàoshì chéngshuāng).
🎊 Positive Meanings of Number 2
Wedding Significance: In Chinese weddings, the double happiness symbol (囍) is prominently featured, following ancient marital customs.
- 比翼双飞 (Bǐ Yì Shuāng Fēi) – “Flying wing to wing,” representing lifelong devotion between couples
- 才貌双全 (Cái Mào Shuāng Quán) – Describes someone both talented and attractive
- Yin and Yang (阴阳) – Balance between two forces essential for universal harmony
⚠️ Negative Connotations in Northern China
In Northern China, “Er” can describe someone as foolish or reckless:
- 二百五 (Er Bǎi Wǔ) – Two hundred and fifty, implies poor judgment
- 你太二了 (nǐ tài èr le) – “You are so silly/ridiculous/stupid”
💕 The Significance of 520 in Modern Love
520 (wǔ èr líng) resembles the pronunciation of 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) – “I love you”
- 520 Day – May 20th has become China’s modern Valentine’s Day
- Digital Romance – Couples send ¥520 through apps as symbolic love expressions
- Social Media Trend – Popular way to declare love online and in text messages
🎲 The Number 6 in Chinese Culture
(六 liù)
The number 6, pronounced “liù” in Mandarin, holds special significance in Chinese culture due to its phonetic resemblance to words meaning “flowing” and “smooth.” This creates strong associations with luck, ease, and prosperity.
🌊 Cultural Associations of Number 6
- “六六大顺” (liùliù dàshùn) – Expression wishing for everything to go smoothly
- Phone Numbers – Highly sought after for containing 6
- License Plates – Premium prices paid for numbers with 6
- Business Addresses – Preferred for commercial success
- 66th Birthday – Especially meaningful, symbolizing longevity and fortune
🎮 666 in Modern Internet Culture
In contemporary Chinese internet slang, “666” has evolved to mean:
- “Awesome” or “Cool” – Used to praise someone’s skill
- Gaming Excellence – Common compliment for impressive gameplay
- Social Media – Popular response to impressive achievements
🎭 老六 (Lǎo Liù) – “Old Six” Slang
In Chinese gaming slang, “老六” (Old Six) describes someone who acts slyly or uses underhanded tactics. While often humorous, it can carry derogatory connotations depending on context – like a player who hides and waits for the perfect moment to strike.
🍀 Lucky Number 8 – The Luckiest Chinese Number
(八 bā)
What makes 8 the luckiest number in Chinese culture? The number 8 (八, bā) sounds similar to “发” (fā), often used in “发财” (fā cái) meaning “to prosper” or “get rich.” This phonetic connection has made 8 synonymous with wealth, success, and good fortune.
“8 is always a lucky number for Chinese New Year celebrations and business ventures!”
🏆 Symbolism and Cultural Importance
Why 8 is Universally Lucky:
- Cantonese Connection – “baat” (8) and “faat” (fortune) sound nearly identical
- Infinity Symbol – Shape resembles ∞, symbolizing endless prosperity
- Beijing Olympics 2008 – Started precisely at 20:08 on 08/08/2008
- Premium Pricing – Phone numbers, house numbers, and license plates with 8 cost more
📱 Modern Digital Usage
Popular Number Combinations with 8:
- 518 – “Wǒ Yào Fā” (我要发) – “I want to prosper”
- 88 – “Bā Bā” sounds like “bye-bye” in messaging
- 888 – Triple luck and prosperity
- 8888 – Ultimate good fortune expression
💰 The Magic of 168
168 is highly auspicious, sounding like “一路发” (yī lù fā) – “prosperity all the way”:
- 1 (yī) – “One” or “continuous”
- 6 (liù) – “Flowing” or “smooth”
- 8 (bā) – “Prosper” or “wealth”
Together meaning: Continuous and smooth progress toward financial success
⚖️ When 8’s Luck Doesn’t Apply
Important Note: Numbers that add up to 8 (like 5+3=8 or 1+7=8) are NOT considered lucky. The luck comes from the phonetic connection to “fā,” not mathematical relationships. Only the actual digit 8 carries the prosperity symbolism.
👑 Lucky Number 9 – Imperial Number
(九 jiǔ)
Despite being an odd number (even numbers are typically luckier in Chinese culture), the number 9 holds special significance. It shares pronunciation with “久” (jiǔ) meaning “everlasting,” making it particularly auspicious for representing longevity and eternity.
👑 Imperial Connection and Supreme Status
Historical Significance:
- “九五之尊” (Jiǔ Wǔ Zhī Zūn) – Phrase referring to emperors, where 9 symbolized supreme status
- Ultimate Yang Number – Represents nobility, authority, and supremacy
- Forbidden City Design – Said to have 9,999 rooms, reflecting emperor’s desire for eternal rule
- Palace Architecture – Nine-tiered structures symbolizing connection to heaven
💝 Love and Eternal Blessings
Romantic Significance:
- 99 or 999 Roses – Valentine’s Day tradition symbolizing eternal love
- Wedding Red Packets – ¥9,999 or ¥99,999 given to bride’s family for lasting marriage
- “天长地久” (tiān cháng dì jiǔ) – “As enduring as heaven and earth”
- 1999 Wedding Boom – Surge in marriages during year 1999 for lasting luck
🏠 Real-Life Applications of Number 9
- Building Design – Nine-story pagodas and towers for spiritual significance
- Business Launches – Companies choose 9th day of 9th month for openings
- Anniversary Celebrations – 9th wedding anniversary especially meaningful
- Investment Amounts – ¥9,999 or ¥99,999 considered auspicious for business partnerships
📜 Traditional Nine Blessings (九如)
The phrase “九如” (Jiǔ Rú) represents nine poetic blessings for enduring happiness:
💀 Unlucky Number 4 – The Avoided Number
(四 sì)
The number 4 is widely avoided in Chinese culture, similar to how 13 is viewed in Western cultures. This aversion stems from the pronunciation “sì” (四) sounding nearly identical to “死” (sǐ) meaning “death,” creating strong negative associations.
🏢 Architectural and Social Avoidance
Common Avoidance Practices:
- Building Floors – Hotels, hospitals, apartments skip 4th, 14th, 24th floors
- Phone Numbers – People pay extra to avoid numbers containing 4
- License Plates – Premium charged for plates without 4
- Hospital Room Numbers – Rooms 4, 14, 24 often renamed or avoided
- Table Numbers – Restaurants often skip table 4 for banquets
🎵 Modern Reinterpretation: Musical Connection
Some regions now view 4 differently due to musical note connection:
- Musical “Fa” – In do-re-mi scale, “fa” sounds like “发” (fā) meaning “to prosper”
- Regional Variations – Some areas consider 4 lucky for wealth associations
- Generational Differences – Younger Chinese sometimes less superstitious about 4
💕 Positive Combinations: When 4 Brings Love
1314 – Romantic Exception:
- Pronunciation – “yī sān yī sì” sounds like “一生一世” (yī shēng yī shì)
- Meaning – “For a lifetime” or “forever”
- Popular Usage – Wedding dates, anniversary gifts, romantic messages
- Digital Romance – Common in online love declarations and social media
🧠 Cultural Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Why do many Chinese buildings skip the 4th floor but Western buildings skip the 13th?
Click to reveal answer 🤔
Both cultures avoid numbers due to phonetic similarities to negative concepts. Chinese “四” (sì) sounds like “死” (death), while Western 13 has historical associations with bad luck (Last Supper, Friday the 13th). This shows how language and culture shape superstitions!
🔢 Lucky vs Unlucky Numbers at a Glance
🌎 Western Lucky Numbers vs Chinese Numbers
✨ Western Lucky Numbers
• Biblical significance (7 days of creation)
• Seven wonders of the ancient world
• Lucky number in gambling and slots
• Holy Trinity in Christianity
• “Third time’s the charm”
• Three wishes in fairy tales
• 12 months, 12 hours, 12 apostles
• Symbol of order and completeness
• Dozen as perfect quantity
⚠️ Unlucky Number 13 vs Chinese Number 4
• Friday the 13th superstition
• Last Supper had 13 people
• Buildings skip 13th floor
• Sounds like “death” (死 sǐ)
• Buildings skip 4th, 14th, 24th floors
• Avoided in phone numbers, addresses
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Chinese Lucky Numbers
Is 6 a lucky number in Chinese culture?
Yes, 6 is very lucky in Chinese culture. Its pronunciation “liù” sounds like “流” (liú) meaning smooth and flowing, symbolizing ease and prosperity. People often include 6 in phone numbers and license plates. The phrase “六六大顺” expresses wishes for everything to go smoothly.
Why is 8 the luckiest number in Chinese culture?
Number 8 is extremely lucky because “bā” sounds like “发” (fā) meaning “to prosper” or “wealth.” This is why the 2008 Beijing Olympics started at 20:08 on 08/08/2008. The number is highly sought after in business, phone numbers, and addresses. Learn more about the cultural significance of number 8.
Is 9 lucky and why do lovers give 999 roses?
Yes, 9 is lucky because “jiǔ” sounds like “久” meaning “everlasting.” It symbolizes longevity and eternal love. That’s why lovers give 99 or 999 roses, representing eternal devotion. Historically, number 9 was associated with imperial power (“九五之尊”).
Why is 4 unlucky and how do Chinese avoid it?
Number 4 is unlucky because “sì” sounds like “死” (sǐ) meaning “death.” Many buildings skip the 4th, 14th, and 24th floors. People avoid it in phone numbers and addresses. However, in combinations like 1314 (lifetime), it can have positive meanings.
How are Chinese number beliefs different from Western ones?
Chinese lucky numbers are based on pronunciation (homophones), while Western lucky numbers often have religious or historical significance. For example, Chinese avoid 4 (sounds like death) while Westerners avoid 13 (historical/religious associations). However, some numbers like 5 and 10 share similar meanings across both cultures.
What does 520 mean in Chinese digital culture?
520 sounds like “我爱你” (wǒ ài nǐ) meaning “I love you” in Chinese. May 20th (5/20) has become China’s digital Valentine’s Day. People send ¥520 through payment apps and express love using this number. It’s become a popular way to declare affection in modern Chinese romance.
Do Chinese lucky numbers affect business and real estate prices?
Yes, significantly! Properties with addresses containing 8 sell for 10-20% premiums. Phone numbers with lucky digits cost thousands extra. Buildings without 4th floors are standard. The 2008 Olympics timing and countless business launches on lucky dates show how seriously Chinese culture takes numerical symbolism in commerce.
🎯 Practical Guide: Using Lucky Numbers in Daily Life
🏠 Real Estate & Housing
- Choose apartments with 8 in address for prosperity
- Avoid 4th, 14th, 24th floors when possible
- 168 house numbers are particularly auspicious
- Consider lucky numbers for move-in dates
🏢 Business Applications
- Launch businesses on 8th, 18th, 28th of month
- Use 168, 518, 888 in business names/addresses
- Price products ending in 8 (¥168, ¥888)
- Choose meeting times incorporating lucky numbers
💕 Relationships & Weddings
- Use 520 for digital love expressions
- Give 99 or 999 roses for eternal love
- Choose 1314 for lifetime commitment gifts
- Plan weddings on lucky number dates
📱 Digital & Technology
- Choose phone numbers with 6 and 8
- Use 666 to compliment online achievements
- Avoid 4 in passwords and usernames
- Include lucky numbers in social media handles
🎯 Ready to Master Chinese Number Culture?
Understanding Chinese lucky numbers opens doors to deeper cultural appreciation and successful communication in Chinese-speaking regions.
Join thousands learning authentic Chinese culture, language, and traditions with expert guidance.
🧮 Mastering Chinese Number Culture
From the prosperity of lucky number 8 to the eternal love of number 9, from the harmony of pairs (2) to modern digital expressions like 520 – Chinese number symbolism reflects deep cultural values and beliefs.
Whether you’re doing business in China, planning to visit, or simply exploring cultural differences, understanding these numerical traditions provides valuable insights into Chinese society and thinking.
🌍 Share Your Culture’s Lucky Numbers!
We’d love to hear about lucky and unlucky numbers from your culture! Every culture has fascinating numerical traditions.
Tell us your culture’s lucky numbers and their meanings in the comments below! 🔢✨
