culture · 5 May 2026

Chinese Numbers, Luck, and Superstition: What the Numbers Mean

In China, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky based on their pronunciation in Mandarin or Cantonese. This affects pricing, phone numbers, addresses, and wedding dates. Here is what you need to know.

Number symbolism in China has real economic consequences. The number 4 (四, sì) sounds like death (死) in Mandarin and Cantonese. Buildings skip the fourth floor; phone numbers with 4 sell at a discount; gifts in sets of four are inappropriate. Flats on the fourth floor can sell 10–20% below equivalent higher floors.

The number 8 (八, bā) sounds like prosperity (發). The 2008 Beijing Olympics opened at 8:08 p.m. on 08/08/08. Phone numbers with multiple 8s command premiums; wedding and business dates are chosen for 8s; car plates with 8 sell at auction for many times base price.

Six (六) sounds like 'flowing' — associated with smooth progress. Nine (九, jiǔ) sounds like 'long-lasting' (久) — associated with longevity. Wedding cash gifts of ¥999 or ¥1,888 are standard. Cash gifts of ¥444 are inappropriate.

Practical: avoid 4s in business contexts; use 8s in gift amounts; choose dates with lucky numbers for important events. Younger urban Chinese may be sceptical while still observing the conventions socially.