WuKong Education Blog / Learning Tips / Chinese Learning / What are Lucky Numbers in Chinese? 6 Best

What are Lucky Numbers in Chinese? 6 Best

What are lucky numbers in Chinese? Numbers have long played an important part in Chinese culture. There are fortunate, bad, and neutral numbers in Chinese numerology. Of course, context is critical when choosing numbers, and there are diverse ways to interpret them. This idea gives rise to a specific system of auspicious numbers, influencing decisions in important events like marriages, house transfers, and even automobile license plates. However, which are these lucky numbers in Chinese culture? Read on to understand what the lucky numbers are in Chinese.

Part 1: Chinese Lucky Numbers

Here are the lucky numbers in Chinese Culture:

1. Number 8

Because the number ‘8’ is connected with riches, it is thought to be the luckiest number in China. ‘Eight’ () is pronounced ba in Chinese and sounds similar to fa(发, traditional character: 發) as in facai (发财), meaning ‘well-off’.

What are Lucky Numbers in Chinese? 6 Best - WuKong Education Blog

What are lucky Numbers in Chinese: Number 8

Its profound cultural roots in affluence and abundance contribute to its worldwide popularity. The importance of the number extends beyond financial prosperity to include ideals of good fortune, completion, and balance. Its symbolic meaning has made it valuable in various circumstances, including phone numbers, locations, wedding dates, and economic transactions. Chinese people prefer to use the number ‘8’ as the time or date of a major event. For example, the ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began precisely 8 minutes and 8 seconds after 8 p.m. on August 8, 2008.

2. Number 6

6 is the other luckiest number other than 8. The Chinese pronunciation of the number 6, “Liu,” sounds close to “li,” which signifies “flow” or “smooth.” This likeness generates positive sentiments associated with things moving easily or effortlessly. Furthermore, the number 6 is linked to harmony and balance. Its symmetrical design is visually beautiful and reflects balance, making it a lucky number in many areas of life, including business and relationships.

What are Lucky Numbers in Chinese? 6 Best - WuKong Education Blog

What are lucky Numbers in Chinese: Number 6

Similar to 8, 6 is popular on license plates and phone numbers. Furthermore, in Chinese engagements, presenting numbers like RMB 6,666 represents peace for the couple. Furthermore, in business, 6 represents luck, influencing the selection of dates for new initiatives or contract signings.

3. Number 9

What are Lucky Numbers in Chinese? 6 Best - WuKong Education Blog

What are lucky Numbers in Chinese: Number 9

9 (久), pronounced jiu, is a well-known number, similar to 6 and 8. It sounds similar to the term forever. On Valentine’s Day, it is customary in China to give your loved one 99 flowers. As the highest single-digit number, its significance extends to its link with the emperor, enhancing its image of power and completion. It is also linked to the idea of enough or adequate, which corresponds to the cultural value of satisfaction. It is frequently used on key occasions such as weddings and is regarded in Chinese culture as a symbol of good luck and blessings in different parts of life.

4. Number 3

3 (三) is regarded as lucky since the number sounds close to the term for birth. In Mandarin, it is pronounced “san,” and it has phonetic similarities with the term for “birth” or “to give birth,” implying growth and life. Because three is associated with the beginning of life, it signifies fertility and abundance.

Furthermore, the number three is associated with the notion of harmony found in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism—the three fundamental pillars of Chinese thinking. The number is highly desirable because this relationship promotes balance, unity, and completion.

5. Number 2

What are Lucky Numbers in Chinese? 6 Best - WuKong Education Blog

What are lucky Numbers in Chinese: Number 2

2 (两), pronounced er or Liang, is considered an auspicious number since the Chinese believe everything good comes in two. The importance 2 is firmly established in Yin and Yang, representing conflicting but complementary energies in the universe that produce balance and harmony. This duality represents harmony between opposites and is crucial for relationships, partnerships, and marriages. The number 2 is frequently associated with pair blessings, indicating harmony and unity in loving partnerships. It represents collaboration, mutual support, and the belief that things are better in two.

Part 2: Chinese Lucky Numbers Combination

Let’s check some of the Chinese lucky numbers in Chinese combinations: 

1. Number 168

The number 168 is one of the lucky numbers in Chinese culture owing to its phonetic similarity to words linked with riches and success. When pronounced in Mandarin, the number 168 sounds similar to “一路发” (Y Lù F), which translates to “making a fortune all the way.”

2. Number 520

This is the other lucky number in Chinese culture. The number 520 is connected with a romantic meaning in Chinese culture owing to its sound resemblance to the phrase “I love you.” The pronunciation of 520, “w èr lng,” sounds close to “w ài n,” which translates to “I love you” in Mandarin. Because of this phonetic similarity, the number 520 represents love and devotion. 

3. Number 888

The number 888 is exceedingly auspicious in Chinese culture and is connected with tremendous wealth and happiness. In Mandarin, the number 8 is pronounced as “bā,” which sounds similar to the word for wealth or fortune, “fā” (发). As a result, triple 8 (888) triples the positive properties of the number 8, which represents abundance, riches, and good fortune.

Part 3: Unlucky Numbers

They include: 

1. Number 4

In China, the number four is considered extremely bad since it sounds similar to the word “death.”

2. Number 7

7 Chinese words that sound close to the phrase’s meaning are gone. 7 also refers to rites that bring dead souls out of purgatory.

Part 4: FAQs

1. What number attracts money in Chinese?

The number 8 is associated with riches and success in Chinese culture. Because of this phonetic likeness, the number 8 is considered an auspicious number connected with plenty and financial prosperity. It is said to attract money and good fortune, making it a desired number in business, investments, and other sectors of life due to its positive implications.

2. What does 666 mean in Chinese?

666 is a Mandarin slang term meaning “excellent,” “awesome,” or “cool.” The number 666 is a numerical representation of the phrase “溜溜溜,” which is spoken in Mandarin as “liu liu liu.”

Summary

The article digs into the meaning of lucky numbers in Chinese culture, providing insights into numbers with cultural significance. It analyzes the significance of numbers such as 8, which is connected with riches and success owing to its phonetic resemblance to the word “wealth.” Furthermore, the numerals 6, 9, 3, and 2 are examined for their associations with harmony, longevity, fertility, and duality. It emphasizes how specific numbers are selected for events, such as weddings or commercial transactions, indicating luck and prosperity. I hope you now understand what lucky numbers are in Chinese.

留资卡片:中文(en): Book Now for Free-Online Chinese Language classes for 3 to 18 year-old students