Learning Chinese Numbers: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re learning Mandarin Chinese, one of the first things you’ll want to learn is how to count. Knowing your numbers is essential for everything from shopping to telling time. And understanding the cultural nuances associated with numbers in Chinese culture can enhance your communication skills.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of Chinese numbers, including pronunciation, writing, cultural significance, and everyday uses. We’ll start with the very first number, yī, which translates to “one” in English. This guide is perfect for beginners who are just starting their Mandarin Chinese journey or anyone curious about Chinese culture.
The numbers 1-10 in Mandarin
Let’s dive into the written and spoken forms of the numbers 1 through 10 in Mandarin Chinese.
Individual number breakdown
- One – 一 (yī): This number is represented by a simple horizontal stroke and spoken in the first tone, which is high and level. It’s the most basic building block of the entire number system.
- Two – 二 (èr): Two horizontal strokes represent this number. The top stroke is shorter than the bottom one. It’s spoken in the fourth tone, which is a falling tone, indicating duality.
- Three – 三 (sān): Three horizontal strokes, each shorter than the one below, make up this character. Spoken in the first tone (high and level), it represents the concept of trinity.
- Four – 四 (sì): A more complex character spoken in the fourth (falling) tone, the number four is often considered unlucky in Chinese culture.
- Five – 五 (wǔ): Yet another complex character, five is spoken in the third tone, which is a falling-rising tone.
- Six – 六 (liù): Considered a lucky number, six is spoken in the fourth (falling) tone.
- Seven – 七 (qī): A relatively simple character, seven is spoken in the first tone (high and level).
- Eight – 八 (bā): This number is considered very lucky. It’s spoken in the first tone (high and level).
- Nine – 九 (jiǔ): Resembling a hook in its written form, nine is spoken in the third tone (falling-rising).
- Ten – 十 (shí): Written as a simple cross shape and spoken in the second (rising) tone.
Pronunciation and tones
When learning to speak Mandarin, it’s important to familiarize yourself with both Pinyin (the romanization system) and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which offers a more precise representation of sounds.
Tone is also critical in Mandarin. One syllable, spoken with different tones, can have different meanings.
Forming numbers greater than 10
The system for writing Chinese numbers is logical. Once you know the numbers one through ten, it’s easy to learn larger numbers.
Numbers 11–19
To form numbers from 11–19, the structure is simple: ten + single digit.
- Eleven (十一): shí yī
- Twelve (十二): shí èr
See how that works? You’re literally saying “ten one” or “ten two.” It’s a consistent pattern, which makes memorization easier.
Numbers 20–99
The structure for numbers between 20 and 99 is (multiple of ten) + (single digit).
- Twenty (二十): èr shí
- Twenty-one (二十一): èr shí yī
- Thirty (三十): sān shí
The Chinese number system, like our own, uses a base-ten structure.
Higher place values
Here are the words for the next few place values:
- Hundred (一百): yì bǎi
- Thousand (一千): yì qiān
- Ten Thousand (一万): yí wàn
To use these words, you’d say “two hundred (二百),” “three thousand (三千),” or “four ten-thousands (四万).”
Writing Chinese Numbers
If you want to write Chinese numbers, you’ll need to learn how to write Chinese characters. Here are a few tips to help you on your way.
Stroke Order
When you’re writing Chinese characters, it’s important to get the stroke order correct. Stroke order helps ensure that you write the character correctly and clearly. There are specific rules and conventions that govern stroke order in Chinese writing.
To learn the stroke order for a particular character, check an online dictionary or a calligraphy guide.
Practice and Repetition
As with any skill, consistent practice is key to mastering Chinese writing. The more you practice, the more natural and fluent your writing will become.
When you’re first starting out, try using grid paper to help you maintain the proper proportions for each character. This can be especially helpful when you’re learning to write more complex characters.
The cultural significance of numbers in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, numbers aren’t just for counting; they carry significant cultural and symbolic weight. Some numbers are considered lucky, while others are thought to bring bad fortune. These beliefs influence many aspects of life, from choosing phone numbers to selecting dates for important events.
Lucky numbers
Certain numbers are highly prized for their auspicious meanings:
- Number 8 (八, bā): This is perhaps the luckiest number of all. Its pronunciation is similar to “发” (fā), which means “to get rich” or “to prosper.” You’ll often see the number 8 in phone numbers, addresses, and business names, as people believe it attracts wealth and success.
- Number 6 (六, liù): The number 6 is considered lucky because its pronunciation sounds like “流” (liú), meaning “to flow” or “smooth.” It symbolizes things going smoothly and making good progress.
- Number 9 (九, jiǔ): This number is associated with longevity and eternity.
Unlucky numbers
Just as some numbers bring good luck, others are best avoided:
- Number 4 (四, sì): This is the unluckiest number in Chinese culture because its pronunciation is very close to “死” (sǐ), which means “death.” In buildings, you’ll often find that the 4th floor is skipped. Some people will also avoid the number 4 in their phone numbers, addresses, or license plates. It’s also considered unlucky to give gifts in sets of four.
Auspicious dates and events
Numbers play a key role in selecting auspicious dates for important events, such as:
- Business openings: Businesses often choose dates containing lucky numbers for grand openings or other important events.
- Weddings: When couples plan their weddings, they often consult calendars to find dates with auspicious numbers that are believed to ensure a happy and prosperous marriage.
How to use Chinese numbers in everyday life
Learning to count is one of the first steps in learning a new language. Here are some ways you might find yourself using numbers as you get around in China or converse with Chinese speakers.
Asking prices
When you’re shopping in China, you’ll probably want to know how to ask how much something costs. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “多少钱？” (duō shao qián?) – How much does it cost?
- “这个多少钱？” (zhè ge duō shao qián?) – How much is this?
You can use these phrases to negotiate prices at a market.
Ordering at a restaurant
When you want to order food or drinks, these phrases will come in handy:
- “我要一个…” (wǒ yào yí ge…) – I want one…
- “两杯茶” (liǎng bēi chá) – Two cups of tea
Discussing time and dates
When someone asks you the time, you can say, “现在几点？” (xiàn zài jǐ diǎn?) – What time is it now?
To express dates, the Chinese language uses the format year, month, and day. For example, October 27, 2023 is written as “2023年10月27日” (2023 nián 10 yuè 27 rì).
Making reservations
To reserve a table at a restaurant, you can say:
- “我要订一个位子” (wǒ yào dìng yí ge wèi zi) – I want to make a reservation.
- If the host asks, “几个人？” (jǐ ge rén?) – How many people? you can use your number skills to answer.
Discussing quantities
When you’re talking about quantities, it’s important to use the correct measure words in Chinese grammar. For instance, if you want to say “three books,” you would say “三本书” (sān běn shū).
Other contextual usages
When giving your phone number, you’ll express it digit by digit.
To ask someone their age, you can say:
- “你几岁？” (nǐ jǐ suì?) – How old are you? (used for children)
- “您多大年纪？” (nín duō dà nián jì?) – How old are you? (used for adults)
Real-life scenarios
You’ll use numbers when you travel, shop, and dine. You’ll need them for transportation, directions, currency exchange, asking prices, bargaining, paying, ordering food, asking for the bill, and perhaps even tipping (if applicable).
Tips for mastering tones
If you’re learning Mandarin, you’ll quickly realize that tones are tricky for English speakers. Here are some tips to help you develop an ear for tones and improve your pronunciation:
- Listen and imitate: Immerse yourself in the language by listening to native speakers as much as possible. Pay close attention to how they pronounce words and try to mimic their intonation. Podcasts, music, and movies are great resources.
- Practice minimal pairs: “Minimal pairs” are words that sound exactly the same except for their tone. Practicing these pairs can help you distinguish between the different tones.
- Use visual aids: Some people find visual aids like tone charts helpful. These charts visually represent the four tones, making it easier to understand and remember them.
- Record yourself: Record yourself speaking Mandarin and then compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve.
- Practice consistently: Like anything else, mastering tones takes time and practice. Try to practice every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Learning Tools and Resources
Want to learn Mandarin? Here are some tools that can help. (Note: Some of these resources are free, but many require a paid subscription.)
- Online Dictionaries: Pleco, MDBG
- Language Learning Apps: Duolingo, Memrise, HelloChinese
- Online Courses: Coursera, edX, ChinesePod
- Language Exchange Partners: HelloTalk, Tandem
- Textbooks and Workbooks: Integrated Chinese, New Practical Chinese Reader
Good luck!
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to count in Chinese is more than just memorizing some vocabulary. It’s a key to unlocking basic communication and understanding Chinese culture.
Like any language skill, mastering Chinese numbers requires consistent practice. Whether you’re using flashcards, apps, or real-life conversations, the more you immerse yourself, the faster you’ll learn.
So, keep practicing, and remember that learning Chinese numbers is a gateway to a rich and fascinating culture. Good luck, and 加油! (jiāyóu! – add oil! aka “you can do it!”)