In Chinese culture, numbers carry sounds and meanings, much like a secret code.

This homophone culture deeply influences daily life. Here are the most common lucky numbers and their real-world applications.
1. Core Lucky Numbers

Number ‘6’ (liù): Sounds like “smooth” or “flow”, representing everything going well.

• Example 1: 66 – In chats or blessings, people say “66大顺” or just send “66” to wish someone smoothness. For instance, text “66” to a friend before their exam.

• Example 2: 666 – In modern internet slang, “666” means “so slick”, praising someone for being awesome or skilled.

• Example 3: 168 – This combination sounds like “一路发” (yī lù fā), meaning “prosper all the way”. It’s a favorite for business phone numbers or license plates.

Number ‘8’ (bā): Sounds extremely similar to “prosper” or “get rich” (发 fā). It’s the most sought-after lucky number.

• Example 1: 88 – Directly means “double prosperity” or “bye-bye”. Sending an 88 RMB red envelope is very common.

• Example 2: 888 – Means “prosper, prosper, prosper” – a triple blessing for wealth. Flower baskets costing 888 RMB are popular for grand openings.

• Example 3: Phone numbers/license plates ending with 8 – A number ending with “8” or multiple “8”s can be very expensive, symbolizing ongoing luck and wealth.

• Example 1: 99 – Often used to wish love or friendship “lasts forever”. A 99 RMB gift on Valentine’s Day is very romantic.

• Example 2: 199, 299 – These mean “forever lasting” or “both lasting long”, common in wedding gifts.

2. Combinations & Love CodesNumbers ‘5 (wǔ)’ and ‘2 (èr)’ are also frequently used to express emotions.

• Example 1: 520 – The most famous love code. It sounds like “I love you”. May 20th is called “Internet Valentine’s Day”, and couples exchange 520 RMB.

• Example 2: 521 – Also sounds like “I am willing”, a variant of 520.

• Example 3: 1314 – Sounds like “one lifetime, one world” (一生一世), meaning “for a lifetime”. Often paired with 520 as “5201314” (I love you forever).

3. Numbers to Avoid

Number ‘4’ (sì): Its sound is very close to “death” (死 sǐ), making it unlucky.

• Example 1: Floors and room numbers – Many hospitals skip the 4th floor, and hotels avoid room numbers containing 4.

• Example 2: Phone numbers – Numbers with multiple “4”s are generally unpopular.

• Example 3: Combinations – For instance, “14” sounds like “want to die”, and “54” like “starve to death”. Avoid them in important contexts.

Understanding this numeric code helps you better integrate into Chinese culture or show thoughtfulness in gifting and blessings.