The number 4 is considered unlucky in China because its pronunciation is very similar to the Chinese word for "death".
The Reason Behind the Dislike
In Chinese culture, homophones (words that sound alike but have different meanings) play a significant role in superstitions. The pronunciation of the number 4 (四, sì) is very close to the pronunciation of the word for death (死, sǐ). This phonetic similarity has led to the association of 4 with bad luck and misfortune.
Examples of Avoiding the Number 4:
According to the provided reference, here are some examples of how this superstition manifests:
- Buildings: Just as some Western buildings skip the 13th floor, Chinese buildings often lack a fourth floor because it can be seen as an omen of bad luck.
- License Plates: Chinese drivers often avoid license plates that end in the number 4. They prefer license plates with lucky numbers such as 8.
Cultural Impact
This aversion to the number 4 has a noticeable impact on various aspects of Chinese life.
- Phone Numbers: Phone numbers containing the number 4 are often considered less desirable and may even be sold at a lower price.
- Addresses: Similar to phone numbers, addresses with the number 4 may be less sought after.
- Gift Giving: People may avoid giving gifts in quantities of four, or with numbers that add up to four.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Unlucky Number | 4 |
| Reason | Pronunciation is similar to the word for "death" in Chinese. |
| Common Avoidance | Floors in buildings, license plates, phone numbers, addresses, and gifts. |
| Cultural Impact | Shapes decisions and preferences in many areas of life due to superstition and desire to avoid misfortune. |
| Reference | "[...]the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds a lot like the word for “death,” and as a result Chinese buildings often lack a fourth floor (just as American buildings sometimes skip the 13th). Likewise, Chinese drivers avoid license plates ending in four." |
