Lucky & Unlucky Numbers in Chinese
In Chinese culture a number is lucky or unlucky depending on the word it sounds like. Here is what each digit from 0 to 9 means, and which numbers to seek out or avoid.
Zero stands for wholeness and the infinite. It is neutral on its own and simply carries the value of the digits around it. Explore more →
One means unity and a guaranteed beginning (“only one”). It is neutral but reads well at the start of lucky patterns like 168. Explore more →
Two is lucky — “good things come in pairs” (好事成双). It brings harmony and balance, which is why gifts and décor come in twos. Explore more →
Three sounds like 生 (shēng, life/growth), giving it a positive, creative ring — though it can also echo 散 (to part), so it is mildly lucky. Explore more →
Four is the most unlucky number — it sounds almost exactly like 死 (sǐ, death). Many buildings skip the 4th, 14th and 24th floors. Explore more →
Five sounds like 无 (wú, “not/without”), so it is neutral alone — but it shines inside 518 (“I will prosper”) and balances the five elements. Explore more →
Six is lucky — it sounds like 流 (liú, “flow/smooth”). The saying 六六大顺 means “everything goes smoothly”, great for business and travel. Explore more →
Seven means togetherness and union (it sounds like 起, “to rise”), and is lucky for relationships — but it is also tied to the ghost month, so it is mixed. Explore more →
Eight is the luckiest number in China — it sounds like 發 (fā, “to prosper / get rich”). People pay a premium for phone numbers and plates full of 8s. Explore more →
Nine sounds like 久 (jiǔ, “long‑lasting / eternity”). It was the emperor’s number and is a favourite for weddings and anniversaries — love that lasts. Explore more →
Ready to test a number? Try the lucky number checker or see the best lucky number combinations.
Frequently asked questions
Which numbers are lucky in China?
6, 8 and 9 are the luckiest (smooth, prosper, long‑lasting). 2 is lucky for pairs and harmony.
Which numbers are unlucky in China?
4 is the most unlucky (it sounds like death). Patterns like 14, 44 and 250 are also avoided.