Have you ever wondered why some buildings in China skip the fourth floor, or why certain phone numbers fetch a higher price? Numbers in Chinese culture carry deep meanings, with some considered so unlucky that people actively avoid them in daily life. Understanding these beliefs offers a fascinating window into China’s rich traditions and superstitions. In this article, we’ll explore the history, meaning, and cultural impact of unlucky numbers in China.
Curious to find out which numbers are best avoided—and why? Read on!
The Unlucky Numbers in China: History, Meaning, and Everyday Impact
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Numbers are more than simple digits in Chinese culture—they carry powerful meanings and superstitions that influence decisions big and small. While some numbers are prized for bringing luck and fortune, others are avoided for their inauspicious associations. If you’ve ever wondered why certain hotel floors or license plates are skipped in China, or why some apartment numbers are hard to sell, the answer often lies in deeply-rooted cultural beliefs about unlucky numbers. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of unlucky numbers in China, explore how they originated, why they’re significant, and how these beliefs still play a lively role in daily life today.
The Ancient Roots of Numerology in China
Where Did It All Begin?
Numerology in China stretches back thousands of years, woven through the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, and folk religion. Early Chinese thinkers saw connections between nature, language, and numbers. Over time, people began linking numbers with good or bad fortune, based primarily on homophones—words that sound alike but have different meanings. This process, known as “number-word punning,” is still a central reason why some numbers are preferred and others avoided.
The Power of Homophones in Chinese Language
The Chinese language has many homophones due to its limited set of syllable sounds. This makes puns and wordplay common, and sometimes what sounds good—or bad—can have a strong, almost magical, sway over people’s attitudes toward numbers.
The Most Unlucky Numbers in China
The Infamous Number 4
The unluckiest of all numbers in China is 4, pronounced “sì” in Mandarin, which closely resembles “sǐ” (meaning “death”). This similarity has cast a shadow over the number, making it synonymous with bad luck and misfortune.
Examples in Daily Life:
– Building floors: Many buildings skip the 4th floor (sometimes labeling it as “3A” instead).
– Phone and car numbers: Sets of numbers featuring 4s are less desirable.
– Gift-giving: Items in sets of four are strictly avoided, as it symbolically offers bad luck.
This fear of the number four is called “tetraphobia,” and it’s shared by several East Asian cultures.
The Unsettling Number 7
The number 7 (“qī” in Mandarin) has an ambiguous reputation. While it can have positive meanings in some contexts, it’s also linked to sadness and ghosts. One notable cultural link is the traditional “seventh moon” of the lunar calendar, a period for ghost-related rituals, honoring the dead, and remembering lost loved ones. For some, 7 is associated with ceremonies of mourning.
Other Numbers With Negative Vibes
While none are as severely disliked as 4, a few other numbers and combinations are worth mentioning:
– Number 13: Borrowed from Western culture, this is considered unlucky mostly in cosmopolitan cities.
– Combinations involving 4: Numbers like 14 can sound like “will certainly die,” and 84 can sound like “bitter death.” These combinations are especially avoided in hospitals and funerary contexts.
Cultural Meaning and Symbolism
Why Is 4 So Unlucky?
The connection between pronunciation and meaning is the key. “Sì” (4) and “sǐ” (death) are almost indistinguishable in tone and sound, leading to a widespread association with death, funerals, and the end of things. In a culture that places great value on auspiciousness and longevity, anything that resembles death—even by sound—is shunned.
7 and Connections to the Spirit World
In Chinese tradition, the festival known as the “Ghost Festival” falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. This is a time when spirits are believed to roam the earth, and people hold ceremonies for the deceased. Because of this, the number 7 is sometimes linked to mourning and spiritual restlessness.
Daily Life, Traditions, and Social Taboos
Real Estate and Buildings
For many people in China, a home is more than a place to live—it’s a symbol of safety and prosperity. Numbers play a significant role:
– Avoiding 4: Apartments and houses with numbers containing 4 (like 404) are generally harder to sell and fetch a lower price.
– Skipping Floors: Developers frequently omit floor numbers with 4, especially in high-rise buildings.
Phone Numbers, License Plates, and More
When choosing phone numbers, car license plates, or even bank account numbers, Chinese people often go to great lengths to avoid unlucky numbers.
– Custom Plates/Numbers: Numbers like 888 (“prosperity, prosperity, prosperity”) go for sky-high prices, while any series with 4 tends to be avoided.
Gift-Giving
Gift customs in China are highly symbolic. Never give anything in sets of four, such as four apples or four pieces of cake, as this is traditionally interpreted as wishing death upon the receiver.
Variations and Regional Differences
Shared Superstitions in Asia
The aversion to 4 isn’t limited to China. Many East Asian societies, including Japan and Korea, have similar taboos due to the shared roots of the Chinese writing system and a similar system of homophones.
Occasional Positivity
Interestingly, not every mention of the number 4 is negative. In some contexts, such as traditional sayings or folklore, 4 can have neutral or even good meanings. But in modern urban life, the negative association usually prevails.
Unlucky Number Combinations
How Combinations Amplify Meaning
Certain pairs or groups of numbers become especially unlucky if their sounds reinforce negative concepts. For example:
– 14 (“yāo sì”) can sound like “will certainly die.”
– 24 (“èr sì”) can mean “easy to die.”
– 74 and 84: Both are associated with “going to death” or “painful death.”
These combinations are strictly avoided when possible, especially in healthcare settings or life events.
Myths, Fun Facts, and Anecdotes
- Building Jumping Floors: Some buildings in China skip not just the 4th floor, but also the 14th, 24th, 34th, and so on.
- Hotels Without a Fourth Floor: It’s common to press the elevator button where “4” is replaced with “F” or simply missing.
- Hospitals Avoid 4s: In Chinese hospitals, room numbers and equipment numbers almost always skip the number 4.
A Real-World Case
In 2003, a mobile phone number with eight consecutive 8s sold for a record-breaking price. Conversely, license plates and phone numbers heavy with 4s are usually avoided or priced at a deep discount.
Modern Relevance: Belief Meets Pragmatism
Continuing Superstition
Even among young, urban, and educated Chinese, beliefs about unlucky numbers remain surprisingly resilient. This is especially true when it comes to big life decisions—like buying real estate or choosing an auspicious wedding date.
Economic Impact
Don’t be surprised to find that apartments on the 8th floor cost more than those on the 4th floor, with or without a view! Businesses, especially those targeting Chinese clients, pay careful attention to numbers in their branding and marketing.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
While some young people may treat these beliefs with humor or skepticism, many still avoid unlucky numbers “just in case.” It demonstrates how tradition continues to shape behaviors in subtle but powerful ways across Chinese society.
Conclusion
Unlucky numbers in China are far more than a quirky superstition—they’re a seamless part of language, culture, and daily decision-making. The story of 4 and other unlucky numbers reveals how the Chinese people mix linguistic wordplay, ancient philosophy, and social custom to create a numerological code that shapes everything from architecture to gift-giving. Whether you’re visiting China, doing business, or just curious about the world, understanding these beliefs provides a unique window into what matters most in Chinese society: luck, harmony, and well-being.
FAQ
What is the most unlucky number in Chinese culture?
The number 4 is considered the most unlucky in Chinese culture because its pronunciation is almost identical to the word for “death” in Mandarin. This association means people often avoid it in everyday life, especially for important things like home numbers, license plates, and gift-giving.
Why is the number 7 sometimes considered unlucky in China?
The number 7 is linked to mourning and ghosts, especially during the seventh lunar month, which is the time for the Ghost Festival. During this period, spirits are believed to roam the earth, and ceremonies are held for the departed.
Are there any other unlucky number combinations besides single-digit numbers?
Yes, combinations like 14 (“will certainly die”), 24 (“easy to die”), and 84 (“bitter death”) are avoided because they reinforce negative meanings through pronunciation, especially in healthcare or funerary contexts.
Is the fear of the number 4 unique to China?
No, the aversion to 4 (tetraphobia) is found in other East Asian countries like Japan and Korea, due to similar linguistic systems and cultural influences.
Do younger Chinese people still believe in unlucky numbers?
While some view these beliefs as old-fashioned or superstitious, many young people still avoid unlucky numbers, especially when making significant life decisions. Tradition remains strong, and people often follow these customs “just in case.”
How do businesses and real estate companies handle unlucky numbers?
Many real estate developers skip floor numbers with 4, and businesses avoid phone or license numbers containing 4. Apartments or car plates with unlucky numbers often sell at lower prices, while lucky numbers command a premium.
Can giving a gift with an unlucky number be offensive?
Yes, giving gifts in sets of four is seen as very bad luck, as it symbolically wishes death upon the recipient. It’s best to give presents in pairs or lucky numbers like eight.
Are there any positive meanings for the number 4?
Rarely, and only in certain traditional contexts. Modern Chinese culture overwhelmingly sees 4 as unlucky, especially in cities and among the Han majority.
How are unlucky numbers dealt with in hospitals?
Hospitals often skip room numbers, bed numbers, or equipment numbers with 4 to avoid any associations with bad luck or death, aiming to create a more positive environment for recovery.
What should tourists or expats know about unlucky numbers in China?
Be aware of these superstitions when giving gifts, choosing hotel rooms, or partnering in business. Avoid the number 4, especially in personal or important contexts, to show respect for Chinese customs and local sensitivities.
