Wait, what? Numbers are a big deal in Chinese culture?
Yep, you heard it right, and it’s high time we started talking about it!
Those neat little symbols that look like art? Absolutely, they’re not just pretty to look at. They hold the key to understanding how numbers in Chinese culture work!
In China, numbers are not just math—they’re all about good luck, bad vibes, and everything in between.
Just imagine that the price tag you see, the phone number you dial, or the number of your apartment could hold a special meaning. It’s like every digit is telling its own story, deep-rooted in Chinese culture.
Numbers in China can be like those good luck charms, symbols of prosperity, and sometimes… umm, a bit of a bummer too.
So, it’s mega-important to know which numbers you want to high-five and which ones you might want to give a wide berth.
I mean, who wouldn’t want a bit of extra luck on their side, right?
Mind-blowing, isn’t it? I bet you’ll never look at numbers the same way again!
Chinese Numbers 1-20
Ready for a fun adventure? We’re about to dive into the first 20 numbers in Chinese. It’s your ticket to understanding a fascinating part of one of the world’s most ancient languages.
So, let’s kick off this journey with a handy table for numbers 1-20!
Chinese Numbers 1-10
Here is a simple table that represents Chinese numbers from 1 to 10:
| Number | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | 壹 | yī |
| 2 | 二 | 贰 | èr |
| 3 | 三 | 叁 | sān |
| 4 | 四 | 肆 | sì |
| 5 | 五 | 伍 | wǔ |
| 6 | 六 | 陆 | liù |
| 7 | 七 | 柒 | qī |
| 8 | 八 | 捌 | bā |
| 9 | 九 | 玖 | jiǔ |
| 10 | 十 | 拾 | shí |
Chinese Numbers 11-20
| Number | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 十一 | 拾壹 | shíyī |
| 12 | 十二 | 拾贰 | shí’èr |
| 13 | 十三 | 拾叁 | shísān |
| 14 | 十四 | 拾肆 | shísì |
| 15 | 十五 | 拾伍 | shíwǔ |
| 16 | 十六 | 拾陆 | shíliù |
| 17 | 十七 | 拾柒 | shíqī |
| 18 | 十八 | 拾捌 | shíbā |
| 19 | 十九 | 拾玖 | shíjiǔ |
| 20 | 二十 | 贰拾 | èrshí |
Lucky Chinese Numbers
The table below showcases the numbers that are generally considered lucky in Chinese culture, along with their Simplified Chinese form, their Pinyin pronunciations, and the reasons for their perceived luckiness.
| Number | Simplified Chinese | Pinyin | Significance in Chinese Culture |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 六 | liù | The number six is believed to bring smoothness or progress because it sounds similar to the Chinese word “流” (liú), meaning “to flow.” |
| 7 | 七 | qī | Seven is often associated with good health and longevity. It also shares a similar pronunciation with “起” (qǐ), signifying “start” or “rise.” |
| 8 | 八 | bā | Number eight is highly valued as it sounds like “发” (fā), which means “wealth” or “prosperity.” |
| 9 | 九 | jiǔ | Nine has connotations of longevity and eternity because its pronunciation is similar to “久” (jiǔ), meaning “long-lasting.” |
Numbers From 1000 – 10,000
| Number | Simplified Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 一千 | yī qiān |
| 2000 | 二千 | èr qiān |
| 3000 | 三千 | sān qiān |
| 4000 | 四千 | sì qiān |
| 5000 | 五千 | wǔ qiān |
| 6000 | 六千 | liù qiān |
| 7000 | 七千 | qī qiān |
| 8000 | 八千 | bā qiān |
| 9000 | 九千 | jiǔ qiān |
| 10,000 | 一万 | yī wàn |
How to Express Large Numbers in Chinese
When it comes to expressing large numbers in Chinese, the process is quite straightforward.
You simply need to combine the number of words for each digit. For example, to say “100,” you would use the phrase “一百” (yībǎi), which directly translates to “one hundred.”
Similarly, “1,000” is “一千” (yīqiān), “10,000” is “一万” (yīwàn).
By combining these number words, you can express any large number in Chinese.
The Use of Numbers in Dates and Time in Chinese
In Chinese, numbers play a significant role in expressing dates and time.
When stating the date, you usually say the day followed by the month.
For example, “October 3rd” is expressed as “十月三号” (shí yuè sān hào), literally meaning “10th month, 3rd day.”
When talking about time, the format is similar. For instance, “3:30 PM” is expressed as “下午三点半” (xiàwǔ sān diǎn bàn), which translates to “afternoon, 3 o’clock, 30 minutes.”
How to Use Ordinal Numbers in Chinese
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the order or position of something.
To create ordinal numbers in Chinese, you add the suffix “第” (dì) before the cardinal number. For example:
- First: 第一 (dì yī)
- Second: 第二 (dì èr)
- Third: 第三 (dì sān)
- Fourth: 第四 (dì sì)
- Fifth: 第五 (dì wǔ)
Ordinal numbers are commonly used when expressing the order or position of something.
In competitions, sports events, or any situation involving rankings, ordinal numbers are employed. For instance, “first place” is “第一名” (dì yī míng), “second place” is “第二名” (dì èr míng).
Tips for Counting and Numbering in Chinese
When it comes to counting and numbering in Chinese, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Logical Counting Pattern: Chinese follows a logical counting pattern. For numbers 11 to 19, you use the format “十 + number.” For example, 11 is “十一” (shíyī), 12 is “十二” (shíèr), and so on.
- Larger Numbers: To express larger numbers, use the format “number + unit.” For example, 23 is “二十三” (èrshísān), where “二十” (èrshí) means 20, and “三” (sān) means 3. Here, “二十” (èrshí) represents 20, and “三” (sān) represents 3. Similarly, to say 45, it would be “四十五” (sìshíwǔ), combining “四十” (sìshí) for 40 and “五” (wǔ) for 5.
- Measure Words: When counting objects, remember to use measure words. Measure words are used between the number and the noun to specify the type of object being counted. For example, instead of saying “two apples,” you would say “两个苹果” (liǎng gè píngguǒ), where “两” (liǎng) means two, “个” (gè) is the measure word, and “苹果” (píngguǒ) means apples.
- Exceptions: Some numbers have specific irregularities. For example, the number 2, when used as a measure word, changes to “两” (liǎng) instead of “二” (èr).
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to count and use numbers in various contexts, whether it’s counting objects, expressing quantities, or using ordinal numbers in Chinese conversations.
Common Phrases and Proverbs Using Chinese Numbers
The Chinese culture has a rich collection of phrases and proverbs that incorporate Chinese numbers.
These phrases often carry symbolic meanings and are used to convey wisdom or express cultural beliefs.
Here are a few examples:
- “一刻千金” (yī kè qiān jīn) – A moment is worth a thousand pieces of gold. This proverb emphasizes the value of time and reminds us to make the most of every moment.
- “三思而后行” (sān sī ér hòu xíng) – Think three times before you act. This phrase encourages careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making.
- “七上八下” (qī shàng bā xià) – Feeling restless or uncertain. This phrase describes a state of unease or anxiety.
- “八仙过海，各显神通” (bā xiān guò hǎi, gè xiǎn shén tōng) – Eight immortals crossing the sea, each showing their magical powers. This phrase implies that everyone has their unique talents and abilities.
These phrases demonstrate the cultural significance and symbolism attached to numbers in the Chinese language and traditions.
Incorporating these phrases into your conversations can deepen your understanding of Chinese culture and enrich your language skills.
FAQs On Chinese Numbers
Why Is 4 Unlucky In Chinese?
The number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture because it sounds very similar to the word “death” (sǐ) in Chinese.
Why Do the Chinese Like The Number 6?
In Chinese culture, the number 6 is considered lucky because it sounds similar to the Chinese word ‘liú,’ which means ‘to flow,’ and they believe it can help them avoid difficulties. The number 6 is also associated with business success and smooth progress.
Why Is 0 In Chinese So Complicated?
Zero itself is not complicated in Chinese. However, the Chinese numbering system differs from the decimal system used in Western languages. Chinese numbers are based on a combination of words for individual digits, and zero is used differently. It is often omitted as a placeholder, unlike in Western languages, where it represents an absence of a digit. This difference can make Chinese numbers appear more complex to non-native speakers.
Is 7 A Lucky Number In Chinese?
Yes, in Chinese culture, the number 7 is considered lucky because it sounds like the Chinese word ‘qǐ,’ which means ‘arise,’ and is also associated with positive meanings such as ‘life,’ ‘vitality,’ and ‘spirituality.’ However, it’s important to note that in some contexts, 7 can be associated with death.
What Does 5201314 Mean?
5201314 is a string of numbers used in Chinese internet slang; it’s read phonetically as “wǒ ài nǐ yīshēng yīshì,” meaning “I love you for a lifetime.” 520 sounds like “wǒ ài nǐ” or “I love you,” and 1314 sounds like “yīshēng yīshì” or “for a lifetime.”
What Does 8 Mean In China?
The number 8 is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture. It sounds like ‘bā,’ which is very similar to ‘fā,’ the word for wealth or prosperity. As a result, it’s highly favored in business dealings and often incorporated into phone numbers, addresses, etc.
What Does 881 Mean In Chinese?
In Chinese internet slang, 881 is often used to say ‘bye bye’. The number 8 in Chinese is pronounced ‘bā,’ and the sound is somewhat similar to the English ‘bye.’ So 881 can be read as ‘bā bā yī,’ which sounds like ‘bye bye one, where ‘one’ just extends the sound.
How Do Chinese Numbers Differ From The English Numbers?
Unlike English, where the form of the number changes after 10, 20, 30, etc., the Chinese number system is more regular and simple. Each digit from 1 to 10 has a unique name, and larger numbers are created by grouping these digits based on tens, hundreds, thousands, etc. Another difference is that Chinese has special words for ten thousand (wàn) and hundred million (yì), which have no direct English equivalent.
What Are Numbers 1 To 10 In Chinese?
Numbers 1 to 10 in Chinese are as follows:
One is “一” (yī), Two is “二” (èr), Three is “三” (sān), Four is “四” (sì), Five is “五” (wǔ), Six is “六” (liù), Seven is “七” (qī), Eight is “八” (bā), Nine is “九” (jiǔ), Ten is “十” (shí).
These are the simplified Chinese characters with their Pinyin pronunciation.
Chinese Numbers Worksheet
1. Match the Chinese numbers with their English counterparts:
一 a. Four
五 b. Eight
十 c. Five
六 d. One
四 e. Ten
八 f. Six
2. Write the following numbers in Chinese characters:
a. 15
b. 20
c. 32
d. 50
e. 67
Answers:
- d, c, e, f, a, b
- a. 十五, b. 二十, c. 三十二, d. 五十, e. 六十七
Wrapping It Up
And just like that, we’re wrapping up our quick but fascinating chat on numbers in Chinese culture. Numbers may just be digits to some, but in Chinese culture, they’re deeply symbolic and hold an exciting universe of meanings and interpretations.
It’s been a fun ride, hasn’t it?
If you found this chat as intriguing as we did, don’t hesitate to share it with others. We all could use some fascinating insights to spice up our daily number of encounters, couldn’t we?
Let’s spread the luck, prosperity, and knowledge that comes with it!
