Numbers In Asian Cultures - Asia - TravBuddy

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a) ONE in Chinese tradition signifies heaven, beginnings, & birth.

b) FOUR signifies death to the Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, & Koreans. Do not give gifts in groups of four. House numbers that contain fours or groups of fours may be rejected by many Asians. A group of numbers that adds up to four might be considered unlucky.

c) FIVE is a lucky number according to the Chinese and the Japanese. It is associated with the five elements of nature. However, in some dialects the word for “five” sounds like the word for “not,” so some Chinese might not like it if a five is placed next to a lucky number. For instance, eight is a lucky number signifying prosperity. But 58 – 5 + 8 – could equate to “not prospering.”

d) EIGHT is a very lucky number. Consider giving gifts in groups of eight. You might also consider using eights in counter-offers to Chinese clients.

e) NINE is a very popular number with the Chinese,who associate it with longevity and dragons.However, for the Japanese, nines signify misery and suffering.

f) TEN in Chinese sounds like the word for “sure” or “guaranteed.” When 10 is combined with another number, it suggests a guarantee of that number’s meaning.

Fourteen – 10 + 4 – means “guaranteed death.”


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Expatriate writer Warren Rodwell has been in China since 2002, & teaches university postgraduates in Chengdu. Many of his feature stories, reviews & photographs have been published online or in hard copy media form. Warren also narrates documentaries & administers various websites as part of his efforts to promote Chengdu & Sichuan cultures more globally.


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