while chinese numerology may seem to be a specialized discipline, it plays an important role in modern chinese culture. understanding the different superstitions and taboos surrounding numbers is essential for participating in some of today’s more common chinese cultural traditions, such as giving lucky red envelopes. to learn more about this peculiar part of modern chinese life, read this post
- the meaning of numbers in chinese numerology
- the second number
- the number eight is an important number
- The Number 9
- The Number 4
- The Number 5
- The Number 7
- number gestures in chinese
- Numbers and Chinese Internet Slang
- 1. 二百五 (èr bǎi wǔ; 250)
- 2. 五二零 (wǔ èr líng; 520)
- if you’re looking for a. 七四八 (qīsìbā; 748)
- 4. 五五五 (wǔ wǔ wǔ; 555)
- 5. 八八 (bābā; 88)
- 6. 一三一四 (yī sān yī sì; 131)
- 7. 七四五六 (qī sì wǔ liù; 7456)
- 8. 九九五 995 (jiǔjiǔwǔ; 995)
- what is the difference between and?
Chinese Numerology: The Meaning Behind the Numbers
chinese homophones have a major cultural impact in china. many numbers are called auspicious (jl) or inauspicious (bùj) in chinese numerology, based on their pronunciation.
in traditional chinese culture, almost every number has a special significance. many chinese people, for example, consider the numbers 2, 8, and 9 to be quite auspicious, whereas the numbers 4, 5, and (occasionally) 7 are considered inauspicious.
The Number 2
pairs are considered lucky in chinese numerology. this explains why (shungx âĢľdouble happinessâĢĿ) is often used in wedding couplets. at chinese new year, people decorate their homes by hanging couplets on both sides of their entrances, which is a similar practice.
the number eight is an important number
the lucky number 8 (b) sounds like (f), which is the word for (fcái; to become wealthy).
The Number 9
the number 9 (ji) sounds similar to the word (ji), which represents a long period of time. as a result, it symbolizes infinity and immortality. chinese lovebirds often integrate this number into romantic movements (e.g., getting married on september 9th, giving 99 flowers during an engagement, etc.) because of its symbolism.
Fun fact: a 909 row of nails creates 81 nails on the walls of the forbidden city.
when giving red envelopes (hóngbo) as gifts, chinese people often use the numbers 2, 8, and 9. Many people like to give money in denominations of 88, 99, or 200 dollars.
to stop insulting your chinese mates, just give an auspicious sum of money while giving red envelopes.
The Number 4
the number 4 (s) sounds like the word (s; to die). most people believe this number to be so unfortunate because of its derogatory correlation with death that many chinese buildings do not even have a âĢľfourthâĢĿ floor. house/door numbers and license plates with the number 4 are not uncommon. many people would want to stop using phone numbers that begin with the number 4 wherever possible.
in chinese numerology, the number 4 is the most unfortunate, similar to the number 13 in western countries.
The Number 5
5 (w) sounds like (w), and is a whimpering and moaning onomatopoeia. as a result, it is commonly regarded as unfortunate.
The Number 7
when compared to clear-cut positive numbers such as 8 or negative numbers such as 4, the number 7 errs on the side of neutrality. on the one side, the sound of the chinese word for seven (q) is similar to positive terms such as (q; uniform, even), (q; life force, energy), and (q; to stand up). as a result, the number seven is often regarded as a favorable number in romantic relationships.
the chinese lunar calendar’s 7th month, however, is dedicated to the ghost festival (gujié). the chinese word for seven has a similar sound to (q; to deceive).
number gestures in chinese
did you know that in chinese, you can count to ten with only one hand? when negotiating with vendors at shops or vegetable markets, knowing the special hand movements used to represent chinese numbers is important.
