Numbers have always played a significant role in Chinese culture. People in China traditionally associate fortune with lucky numbers. Thus, there came a system of lucky numbers on their own way. It is undeniable that numbers differ from auspicious and ominous. So, Chinese take lucky numbers combination into important consideration in daily life, such as in occasions when they buy residences, choose telephone numbers, select a date of a wedding ceremony, and pick an identification number for their vehicle. They believe lucky numbers can bring them good luck. 4 is well known to be an unlucky number, because 四 sounds similar to 死 (sǐ), which means "death" in Chinese.

What Are the Lucky Numbers in China?

Number 8

In China, it is customary to regard even numbers as being more auspicious than odd ones. So, gifts are given in even numbers for the celebration of all occasions. No. 8 has long been regarded as the luckiest number in Chinese culture. With pronunciation of 'Ba' in Chinese, no. 8 sounds similar to the word 'Fa', which means to make a fortune. It contains meanings of prosperity, success and high social status too, so all business men favor it very much. Moreover, in some areas of China, people prefer to pay much more money for a telephone number with 8 in it. They also favor residences on the eighth floor of buildings. In 1990s, a vehicle identification number with 8 was once auctioned off for 5 million Hong Kong dollars.  

Number 6

No. 6, pronounced as 'Liu', conveys indirectly its homophony's meaning – Do everything smoothly.  

Number 9

No. 9 in Chinese culture means longevity and eternality. Thus, there were 9,999 rooms within the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is also a tradition between lovers to send 99, or 999 roses, which carry the best wishes for 'everlasting love'.  

Chinese Lucky Numbers Combination

1988

19 sounds like “forever” in Chinese, and 8 means “make a fortune”.  

1366

The pronunciation of 13 is similar to “a lifetime”, 6 in Chinese represents smooth.  

1314 & 3344

The pronunciation sounds like “a whole life” and “forever” in Chinese. They are often used by lovers to express their forever love to each other.  

366, 666, 888 & 1666

These are the lucky number for Chinese New Year, or specifically the quantity of cash Chinese usually put in the Red Envelope. It is a blessing from the elders to the younger generation, which hopes that they will have a smooth journey in life.  

Last modified: Friday, 16 April 2021, 8:28 PM