9 is considered an unlucky number in Japanese culture because its pronunciation sounds like the Japanese word for "suffering". This association with suffering makes it an undesirable number in many contexts.
Here's a breakdown:
- Enneaphobia: The fear of the number 9 is specifically called enneaphobia.
- Phonetic Similarity: The Japanese pronunciation of 9 (kyū or ku) sounds similar to the word for suffering (苦, pronounced "ku").
- Cultural Implications: Due to this phonetic resemblance, 9 is often avoided in situations where good fortune is desired, similar to how some cultures avoid the number 13.
Therefore, the negative connotation of the number 9 stems primarily from its auditory connection to the concept of suffering within the Japanese language and culture.
