In texting slang, "39" means Thank You.
This usage stems from a combination of Chinese and Japanese pronunciation:
| Number | Chinese Pronunciation (Pinyin) | Japanese Pronunciation (Romaji) | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | san | san | Sounds like "san" |
| 9 | jiǔ | kyū | Sounds like "kyū", similar to "you" in some contexts. |
The combination of "san" (from 3) and "kyū" (from 9) sounds somewhat similar to "thank you" when these languages are spoken. Consequently, "39" has been adopted as a shorthand way to express gratitude in text messages and online chats.
Here's a breakdown of how the numbers are used:
- 3: Pronounced "san" in both Chinese and Japanese.
- 9: Pronounced "jiǔ" in Chinese and "kyū" in Japanese.
- 39: Together, the sounds are reminiscent of "thank you".
Therefore, if someone sends you a text saying "39," they are expressing "Thank You." It's a concise and popular way to show appreciation, particularly among those familiar with this digital shorthand.
