Chinese Numbers: How to Count from 1 to 10,000
Numbers 1-10
Chinese numbers 1-10 are single characters and the foundation for all counting: 一(yī) 二(èr) 三(sān) 四(sì) 五(wǔ) 六(liù) 七(qī) 八(bā) 九(jiǔ) 十(shí). Notice that 一, 二, 三 visually represent one, two, and three horizontal strokes.
Building Larger Numbers
Chinese numbers follow a beautifully logical system. Eleven is simply "ten-one" (十一), twenty is "two-ten" (二十), and twenty-five is "two-ten-five" (二十五). Hundred is 百 (bǎi), thousand is 千 (qiān), and ten thousand is 万/萬 (wàn). Try our Number Converter to see any number in Chinese.
Lucky and Unlucky Numbers
Number symbolism is deeply embedded in Chinese culture. 8 (八, bā) is the luckiest number because it sounds like 发 (fā, prosperity). The 2008 Beijing Olympics started at 8:08 PM on 8/8/08. 6 (六, liù) represents smooth sailing. 9 (九, jiǔ) symbolizes longevity. Meanwhile, 4 (四, sì) is avoided because it sounds like death.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 4 unlucky in Chinese? ▼
The number 4 (四, sì) sounds similar to 死 (sǐ, death), making it considered unlucky. Many buildings skip the 4th floor, and phone numbers with 4 are cheaper.
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