The number 4 is considered highly unlucky and often a taboo in Japan primarily due to a phonetic association with the word for death. This superstition runs deep within Japanese culture, influencing everything from architecture to gift-giving.
The Unlucky Pronunciation of "Shi"
The primary reason for the number 4 being taboo stems from its pronunciation. One of the common ways to pronounce the Japanese numeral for four is "shi" (し). Coincidentally, "shi" (死) is also the Japanese word for death. This homophonic connection creates a strong negative connotation, making the number undesirable in many contexts. To avoid this ominous link, the number 4 is often pronounced "yon" (よん) instead of "shi," especially when counting or in combination with other numbers.
Impact on Daily Life and Design
This deeply ingrained superstition significantly influences various aspects of Japanese daily life, architectural design, and social customs. The avoidance of the number 4 is a subtle yet pervasive element of cultural etiquette.
Common Examples of Avoidance
- Hospitals and Hotels: It is common for hospitals to omit room numbers containing 4, and many hotels or apartment buildings will skip the 4th floor altogether. You might find elevator buttons jump directly from the 3rd floor to the 5th floor. Similarly, rooms like 4, 14, 24, 40-49, etc., are often renumbered or avoided entirely.
- Gift-Giving: When giving gifts, it's considered impolite to give items in sets of four. Instead, gifts are typically given in sets of three, five, or eight, as these numbers are considered lucky.
- Wedding and Birthday Celebrations: During celebratory events like weddings or significant birthdays, themes or elements related to the number 4 are generally avoided to prevent bringing misfortune to the recipients.
- Product Packaging: Companies may avoid packaging products in quantities of four, opting for alternative counts to appeal to consumers who are aware of this superstition.
- Public Transportation: While not as strictly applied, in some cases, certain seat numbers or car designations in trains or buses might subtly avoid the number 4.
Similarities with Other Numbers
While 4 is the most prominent, other numbers also carry unlucky associations in Japan, though generally to a lesser extent:
- Number 9 ("Ku"): The number 9, pronounced "ku" (く), sounds similar to "kurushii" (苦しい), meaning "suffering" or "torture" (苦). This makes 9 also somewhat avoided, particularly in healthcare settings or when giving gifts.
- Number 42 ("Shini"): The combination of 4 and 2, pronounced "shini" (死に), directly translates to "to die." This combination is therefore considered extremely unlucky.
Overview of Unlucky Numbers
| Number | Unlucky Pronunciation | Meaning/Association |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Shi (し) | Death (死) |
| 9 | Ku (く) | Suffering/Torture (苦) |
| 42 | Shini (死に) | To Die (死に) |
Cultural Context and Mitigation
The practice of avoiding unlucky numbers, known as tetraphobia (fear of the number four), is not unique to Japan but is particularly strong there, as well as in other East Asian cultures like China and Korea. Despite its ancient origins, this superstition continues to influence modern Japanese society, reflecting a deep respect for tradition and a desire to avoid perceived misfortune. To navigate this, alternative pronunciations and creative numbering schemes are frequently employed, demonstrating a cultural adaptability that blends tradition with practical considerations.
For further information on Japanese customs and culture, you can explore resources like Japan Guide, which offers insights into various aspects of Japanese society.
