Have you ever wondered why certain floor numbers are skipped in Chinese buildings or why some gifts are politely declined? The answer lies in the deep-rooted beliefs surrounding numbers in Chinese culture—especially one particularly unlucky number. Numbers aren’t just digits in China; they’re powerful symbols that can influence daily life, business, and even celebrations. Superstitions about unlucky numbers affect everything from phone numbers to wedding dates.
In this article, we’ll uncover which number is considered most unlucky in China, explore its history and meaning, and see how it shapes modern traditions. Read on to discover the fascinating story behind China’s most feared number!
The Unlucky Number in Chinese Culture
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Numbers hold deep and sometimes surprising significance in Chinese culture, often shaping the way people make decisions in everyday life. While some numbers are highly sought after for their associations with prosperity and good fortune, others are carefully avoided due to a history of ill omens and linguistic associations. When it comes to unlucky numbers, the clear standout in Chinese culture is the number 4. Understanding why sheds light on broader Chinese values, traditions, beliefs, and even the way Chinese society operates today.
The Origins of Number Superstitions in China
Chinese numerology is one of the world’s oldest traditions, with roots stretching back thousands of years. Numbers in China take on meanings beyond their mathematical value—each has a symbolic and sometimes spiritual resonance due to homophones (words that sound alike).
In Mandarin and most other Chinese languages, a number’s reputation—lucky or unlucky—often comes from its pronunciation’s similarity to other words. These patterns started with ancient auditory associations but became ingrained in daily habits, celebrations, architecture, and even business.
Why Is 4 Considered Unlucky?
The Power of Homophones
The unluckiness of the number 4 (四, sì) in Chinese culture can be traced to a simple linguistic coincidence: it’s pronounced almost identically to the word for “death” (死, sǐ) in Mandarin. The similarity isn’t just semantic—it sounds so close that hearing the number 4 can evoke thoughts of mortality for many Chinese speakers.
This association isn’t unique to Mandarin. Similar patterns appear in Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, all languages with ties to Chinese written characters. As a result, the superstition surrounding the number 4 spans East Asia.
Symbolic Meaning
Because death is considered an especially inauspicious topic—one best left unspoken, particularly in contexts like weddings, birthdays, or business openings—the number 4 has developed a reputation for bad luck. In Chinese symbolism, it literally “sounds like death.”
Everyday Significance: How the Number 4 Affects Life
Buildings and Real Estate
Much like the Western aversion to the number 13, you’ll rarely find a fourth floor in buildings throughout China, Taiwan, and places with large Chinese communities. Instead, you might notice 1, 2, 3, 5, skipping directly over the fourth floor, or alternatively labeling it as “3A.” Sometimes entire blocks of flat numbers containing “4” (like 14, 24, 44, or even 404) are omitted.
This practice extends to hospitals, hotels, office towers, and apartments. The impact is so strong that homes or offices with the digit “4” often fetch lower prices or are more difficult to sell. Developers may even create premium floors by deliberately skipping these numbers.
Phone Numbers, License Plates, and Room Numbers
The superstition influences seemingly minor choices as well. Many people avoid phone numbers, license plates, or hotel rooms that contain the digit “4.” It’s common for high-value phone numbers to be more expensive if they’re free from the disliked digit, while those containing multiple 4s can be difficult to sell or rent.
Important Dates and Occasions
In situations where luck is paramount, such as weddings, building openings, or launching new businesses, the number 4 is diligently bypassed. Special dates containing “4” are considered inauspicious, and businesses would often delay official launches if such a number is unavoidable.
Gift Giving
Gifts involving the number 4 are typically avoided. For example, giving four of any item is considered taboo, especially at festive occasions or to someone who is ill. The thought is that such gifts might unwittingly invoke bad luck or ill health.
Variations and Related Unlucky Numbers
While 4 is the clear frontrunner, a handful of related numbers and patterns are also avoided:
Double and Repeated Fours (44, 444)
The “worse” the number, the more it’s repeated—in this tradition, 44 or 444 seem even more ominous. In spoken Mandarin or Cantonese, the repetition dramatically intensifies the association with death.
Other Unlucky Numbers
While 4 reigns supreme, some regions also consider 7 and 13 unlucky, though the reasons differ. Seven (七, qī) bears some negative associations due to tone or cultural traditions, while the negativity of 13 is likely influenced by Western superstitions.
Unlucky Number Combinations
Some numbers combine in ways that make them unlucky. For example, 250 (二百五, èr bǎi wǔ) is slang for “idiot” or “fool” in Mandarin, and would be avoided in situations where respect or status is important.
How Is the Unlucky Number 4 Represented or Practiced?
Skipping and Substituting
The most common practice is simply skipping the number. When it’s unavoidable, alternatives are used: “3A” for the fourth floor, an extra digit for a serial number, or simply omitting “4” wherever possible.
Euphemisms
People may refer to the “floor between 3 and 5” instead of saying “the fourth floor,” or use alternative words to skirt around the unlucky digit.
Feng Shui and Design
Feng Shui, the traditional Chinese system of harmonizing people with their environment, also considers the significance of numbers. While masters of Feng Shui may have a nuanced perspective on number meanings, many will undoubtedly advise against placing a house or room number 4 if possible.
Official and Commercial Usage
Just as some brands avoid the number 13 in the West, Chinese companies often avoid the number 4 when branding, assigning hotel rooms, or creating product serial codes.
Myths, Anecdotes, and Interesting Facts
The “Death Floor” Myth
In the same way a “13th floor” is sometimes skipped in Western hotels, urban legends exist in China about “haunted” or unlucky fourth floors in hospitals, hotels, and even apartment buildings.
Price Fluctuations in Real Estate
Homes or offices with multiple 4s in their addresses often sell for less than similar properties without the digit. On the other hand, numbers like 8 (which is highly auspicious) can demand a steep premium.
Cross-Cultural Impact
Global brands launching products in China are keenly aware of the aversion to the number 4. International firms sometimes change product model numbers for the Chinese market, skipping “4” (as in some versions of cellphones and cars).
Generational Differences
While some urban youth today view the superstition lightheartedly, the association remains deeply influential in many families, among elders, and especially in more traditional regions.
Modern Relevance: Superstition in Today’s China
Despite modernization and increasing global perspectives, the superstition around 4 remains strong in both business and private life. It’s common to see everything from elevator panels to telephone numbers shaped by this belief.
However, attitudes are gradually shifting, particularly among younger generations, who may see these traditions as old-fashioned or humorous rather than as rules to live by. Still, out of respect for elders or clients, even the most skeptical will often avoid the number in sensitive contexts.
As a visitor to China, being aware of this superstition demonstrates cultural sensitivity. If you’re involved in business, hospitality, or gift-giving, steering clear of the number 4 is considered thoughtful and prudent.
Conclusion
The superstition surrounding the number 4 in Chinese culture demonstrates the enduring power of language and tradition to influence daily life. While some may dismiss it as an old custom, its impact is felt everywhere—from the floor numbers in high-rise apartments to the careful selection of phone numbers and gifts.
Understanding the meaning and significance of the number 4, and how deeply it’s woven into Chinese society, provides valuable insight into broader Chinese cultural attitudes towards fortune, caution, and respect for taboos. Whether or not you believe in “unlucky numbers,” acknowledging these traditions fosters greater cross-cultural understanding and respect.
FAQ
What number is considered unlucky in Chinese culture?
The number 4 is considered the most unlucky number in Chinese culture because its pronunciation closely resembles the word for “death” in Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
Why is the number 4 unlucky in China?
It’s mainly due to how it sounds. The Mandarin word for “four” (sì) is nearly identical to the word for “death” (sǐ), making any mention of 4 feel like an allusion to bad luck or misfortune.
Are there other unlucky numbers in Chinese culture?
While 4 is the most prominent, numbers like 7 and 13 are also sometimes seen as unlucky in certain regions or situations, though not as universally as 4.
How do Chinese people avoid the unlucky number 4?
People might skip the number when labeling floors, apartments, or room numbers; avoid using it in phone numbers and car plates; or substitute it with alternatives like “3A.”
Is the fear of the number 4 similar to the Western fear of 13?
Yes, both lead to skipping those numbers in hotel floors, room numbers, and serial numbers, but in China, 4’s association is even deeper because of its strong connection to the word “death.”
How does the superstition around 4 influence real estate?
Properties with the number 4 are often harder to sell and may be offered at lower prices. In contrast, properties with lucky numbers like 8 or 9 command higher prices.
Do all Chinese people still believe the number 4 is unlucky today?
Belief varies. Many elders and traditional families are strict about avoiding “4,” while some young people may be less concerned, though most still respect the custom in certain situations.
Are there specific numbers that are considered very lucky in China?
Yes, numbers like 8 (which sounds like “prosperity”) and 6 (which sounds like “smooth” or “successful”) are highly favored for their positive associations.
Can giving a gift with four items be considered rude?
Yes. Giving gifts in sets of four is generally avoided, as it could be seen as wishing death or bad luck, especially in contexts like weddings, birthdays, or visits to the sick.
Does the number 4 have negative meanings in other East Asian cultures?
Yes, cultures in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam also consider the number 4 unlucky due to similar linguistic connections to “death,” largely because of Chinese cultural influence.
