The number 4 is widely considered unlucky and is strongly associated with death in certain East Asian cultures, particularly among Cantonese-speaking Chinese people, primarily due to its phonetic resemblance to the word for "death."
The Linguistic Connection
This powerful association stems from a linguistic coincidence known as tetraphobia, the aversion or fear of the number 4. In Cantonese, a prominent Chinese dialect, the pronunciation of the word for "four" (四, sei) is nearly identical to the pronunciation of the word for "death" (死, sei). This homophony creates a deeply ingrained superstition, leading many to avoid the number due to its ominous connotations.
Broader Unlucky Numbers
The phonetic similarity of "four" to "death" extends its negative influence to other numbers that include a 4, reinforcing the superstition:
- 14: This number is considered particularly inauspicious. When pronounced, it can sound like "must die" or "definitely dead," making it one of the most feared numbers in these cultures.
- 24: Similarly, the number 24 can be interpreted as "easy to die" or "easily dead," implying vulnerability and misfortune.
These numbers are thus deeply embedded in a cultural understanding of bad luck and misfortune, leading to widespread avoidance in daily life.
Cultural Impact and Manifestations
The belief surrounding the number 4 and its variants has practical implications, influencing various aspects of life and design in regions with strong East Asian cultural influences:
- Architecture: It is common for buildings, especially high-rises, hospitals, and hotels, to omit floors or room numbers containing "4." Elevators often skip directly from the 3rd floor to the 5th, or from the 13th to the 15th, to avoid the unlucky association. This practice is similar to the Western avoidance of the number 13.
- Product Design and Pricing: Manufacturers and businesses may deliberately avoid using the number 4 in product model numbers, serial codes, or even pricing strategies to ensure consumer comfort and prevent negative psychological associations.
- Social Practices: People often avoid giving gifts in sets of four items. Similarly, phone numbers, addresses, or important dates that contain the number 4 might be considered undesirable or bring bad luck.
The following table summarizes the phonetic associations of these numbers:
| Number | Associated Cantonese Sound (Approximate) | Implied Meaning | Cultural Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | sei | Death | Most widely feared; often skipped in numbering systems. |
| 14 | sap sei | Must die / Definitely dead | Extremely unlucky; frequently omitted from sequences. |
| 24 | yi sei | Easy to die / Easily dead | Carries a connotation of fragility and impending doom. |
This deep-rooted cultural belief underscores the profound impact that linguistic nuances can have on superstitions and daily practices.
