In some cultures, yes, the number 19 is considered unlucky.
According to one source, 19 is thought to be unlucky in Japan, mainly because the number 9 in Japanese can be pronounced as ku, meaning “suffering” or “pain”. Since 19 contains the digit 9, it inherits this negative association. Other numbers like 29 and 39 are also viewed as unlucky for the same reason.
Here's a breakdown of why some cultures might consider 19 unlucky:
- Association with the number 9: As mentioned above, the number 9 can be associated with suffering.
- Cultural Beliefs: Superstitions around numbers vary significantly between different cultures.
| Number | Reason for Unluckiness (Japan) |
|---|---|
| 19 | Contains the number 9, which sounds like "suffering" |
| 29 | Contains the number 9, which sounds like "suffering" |
| 39 | Contains the number 9, which sounds like "suffering" |
