12 JUNE 2025
Why Is the Number 4 Feared in Chinese Culture?
In Chinese culture, numbers are far more than tools for counting — they whisper meanings, shape superstitions, and influence decisions in ways that outsiders might find startling. Among these, one number casts a particularly dark shadow: the number 4 (四, sì). To the untrained ear, it may sound harmless. But to many Chinese speakers, its pronunciation is chillingly close to the word for “death” (死, sǐ). This eerie similarity has given rise to a deep-seated fear known as tetraphobia — a fear so widespread that it reshapes architecture, medical practices, and daily life itself. Floors vanish from elevators. Hospital rooms skip entire numbers. License plates and phone numbers are avoided like a curse. The number 4 is not just unlucky — it’s taboo, a silent omen woven into the fabric of Chinese tradition and modern life. But how did a single digit come to hold such ominous power?
1. ORIGINS OF TETRAPHOBIA
1.1 ETYMOLOGY AND THE SOUND OF 'FOUR'
The roots of tetraphobia dig deep into the phonetic soil of the Chinese language. In Mandarin, as well as in Cantonese, Hokkien, and many other dialects, the number “four” (四, sì) sounds hauntingly close to the word “death” (死, sǐ). The difference lies only in tone — a subtle shift that the Chinese ear doesn’t miss. In tonal languages like Mandarin, where pitch can completely alter a word’s meaning, this similarity is more than coincidence — it’s a linguistic landmine.
This is where language morphs into fear. Unlike the mere superstition of breaking a mirror or walking under a ladder, tetraphobia is encoded in daily speech. Every time someone says “four,” there’s a ghostly echo of mortality — as if death itself is being spoken aloud. Over generations, this has shaped not only cultural taboos but also emotional reflexes. The number doesn’t just suggest misfortune; it sounds like a verbal omen, a slip of the tongue that brushes up against the afterlife.
1.2 CONNECTION TO DEATH
In Chinese society, where symbolism is taken seriously and words carry spiritual weight, this phonetic resemblance isn’t shrugged off — it’s internalized. Especially among older generations, who are more attuned to traditional beliefs, the sight or sound of the number 4 can feel like an ill wind. Hospitals, apartments jump from 3 to 5, and entire phone numbers are avoided like contagious bad luck. Even a simple hotel room marked “404” can send a shiver down someone’s spine — after all, it’s a numeric whisper of death repeated twice.
This aversion parallels Western fears of Friday the 13th, but with one key difference: while Western superstitions often stem from religion or folklore, tetraphobia is rooted in the mechanics of language itself. It’s not a story passed down; it’s a sound you grow up hearing, a syllable that never quite loses its chill. And when language becomes a harbinger of death, avoiding it becomes second nature — not out of ignorance, but out of instinct. Even in modern, fast-paced cities, this fear, once seeded in sound, can echo across generations.
2. HISTORICAL ROOTS OF SUPERSTITION
2.1 ANCIENT CHINESE BELIEFS
Long before the written word, ancient Chinese societies were already interpreting the universe through sound, nature, and symbolism. Rooted in early cosmology, Chinese thought revolved around achieving harmony — between heaven and earth, life and death, and yin and yang. Anything that threatened this balance, especially death, was treated not just with caution but with ritualized avoidance. Death wasn’t merely the end of life; it was seen as a disruptive force, capable of upsetting familial harmony and social order.
In such a worldview, where even the direction of one’s bed or the timing of a child’s name could influence fate, sounds held immense power. As oral traditions flourished, phonetics became woven into cultural identity. Words that sounded like misfortune were believed to carry that misfortune into reality. The number 4 — sì — became suspect, not because of what it did, but because of what it sounded like: sǐ, death. Over time, this auditory resemblance hardened into taboo.
2.2 INFLUENCE OF CONFUCIAN AND TAOIST THOUGHT
This fear wasn’t just emotional — it was philosophical. Confucianism, the backbone of Chinese ethical and social life for millennia, emphasized filial piety and ancestral reverence. Death, in this context, wasn’t merely a personal event — it was a family affair steeped in rituals, mourning periods, and sacred responsibilities. Anything that casually evoked death, even phonetically, risked showing irreverence to one’s lineage. Thus, the fear of the number 4 took on moral weight — ignoring it could be seen as dishonoring the dead.
Taoism, on the other hand, viewed life and death as part of a natural, cyclical order. While Taoist philosophy promotes acceptance of death as a return to the Tao (the Way), it also encourages harmony through flow and avoidance of forces that disrupt balance. Symbolically invoking death — even accidentally — could invite spiritual unrest. In both systems, death was not something to be confronted casually. So when a single syllable, like sì, repeatedly echoed, it was a potential rupture in the sacred cycle of existence.
3. CULTURAL SYMBOLISM IN CHINESE SOCIETY
3.1 COLORS, NUMBERS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
In Chinese culture, numbers aren’t just mathematical figures — they’re symbols loaded with emotional and spiritual meaning, much like colors. Just as red evokes joy, numbers are read less for their value and more for their vibe. The number 8 (八, bā) is revered because it sounds like the word for wealth or fortune (发, fā), making it the darling of business deals, wedding dates, and property sales. People scramble to secure phone numbers or license plates with repeating eights, believing they attract abundance like magnets.
But with this symbolic economy of numbers comes a dark counterpart: the number 4, which makes it the red flag of Chinese numerology, an audible bad omen. This stark contrast between auspicious and inauspicious digits gives numbers cultural personalities. Just as no one would wear white to a Chinese wedding — the color of mourning — no one wants a “4” hanging over their front door or as their phone number. In a society that places immense value on harmony and symbolism, 4 doesn’t just sound unlucky — it feels like a bad energy.
3.2 CONTRAST WITH AUSPICIOUS NUMBERS
This polarity between lucky and unlucky numbers actively shapes behavior, commerce, and even real estate markets. A Beijing phone number ending in multiple eights can sell for thousands more than one ending in fours. Eighth-floor apartments are snapped up quickly and priced higher, while fourth-floor units often sit unsold or are renumbered to avoid the stigma. Even airlines skip row numbers, elevators jump from 3 to 5, and hotels omit entire floors — all to avoid unsettling guests and clashing with deep-rooted cultural beliefs.
This deliberate avoidance of 4 becomes even more pronounced when placed beside the fervent attraction to 8. The contrast serves to magnify the fear — reminding people not just that 4 is bad, but that better, luckier options exist. In a society where prosperity is not only wished for but ritualized and pursued through tradition, symbolism, and action, 4 is more than just a number — it’s a cultural liability. And avoiding it isn’t simply about fear; it’s about aligning oneself with a pursuit of fortune, and a future untainted by misfortune.
While the number 4 is often avoided in Chinese culture, it isn’t universally taboo. In certain contexts, its negative meaning fades or even disappears entirely. Here are a few notable exceptions:
- Dialect and Regional Differences: In some regions, particularly among non-Mandarin speakers like those in parts of Fujian, the word for “four” is pronounced differently and doesn’t resemble the word for “death.” As a result, the superstition holds far less weight—or none at all.
- Secular and Practical Environments: In tech companies, scientific fields, and academic spaces, the number 4 is often viewed through a rational lens. Younger generations, especially in urban areas, may even embrace it as a sign of logic and modernity, rather than fear or taboos.
- Offset by Lucky Combinations: According to Feng Shui, unlucky numbers can be neutralized by auspicious ones. For instance, the 8 in “84” (symbolizing wealth) is believed to counterbalance the 4. Combinations like 448 or 864 are sometimes seen as less ominous—or even lucky.
- Humor and Rebellion: Some young people use the number 4 ironically—whether in usernames, memes, or design—as a playful nod to tradition. Rather than fearing it, they reclaim it as a symbol of independence and forward thinking.
4. THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS
4.1 HOMOPHONES AND MISINTERPRETATION
To understand the roots of many Chinese superstitions, you must first understand the language. Chinese is a tonal language — a slight change in pitch can completely alter a word’s meaning. A syllable with a rising tone might mean “question,” while the same syllable with a falling tone could mean “horse.” This tonal nuance creates a wealth of homophones — words that sound alike but mean very different things. While this adds richness to poetry and celebrations, it also provides fertile ground for superstition to thrive.
The classic example is the number 4 (四, sì) and the word for death (死, sǐ). Though written differently, their near-identical pronunciation causes them to become psychologically linked. In a culture that values the power of language and symbolism, this isn’t seen as coincidence — it’s treated as an omen. Speaking “four” can feel eerily close to invoking death. These homophones don’t just blur meanings — they embody them, becoming potent symbols in their own right.
4.2 INFLUENCE OF NAMING CONVENTIONS
This linguistic superstition doesn’t just live in people’s minds — it physically reshapes their environments. Walk into a modern apartment complex in Beijing, Shanghai, or even overseas Chinese communities, and you may notice something peculiar: there is often no 4th floor. Instead, you might find floor “3” or a direct jump to “5.” Elevators skip numbers like they’re cursed, and room numbers ending in 4 are either avoided or reassigned. Hospitals are especially sensitive — who wants to recover in Room 404.
Real estate developers, ever attuned to the beliefs of their buyers, have adapted. Apartment listings might creatively label the fourth floor as “Level Fortune” or rebrand it entirely, knowing that the presence of a 4 can tank a sale. In hyper-competitive housing markets, a single unlucky digit can be the difference between a bidding war and a property that sits untouched. The same goes for phone numbers, license plates, and even product serial codes — all subtly altered or priced according to their numerical “luck.”
5. TETRAPHOBIA IN MODERN CHINA
5.1 AVOIDANCE IN ARCHITECTURE
Architects and developers in China—and in Chinese communities abroad—are acutely aware that the number 4 is more than just an unlucky digit; it’s a symbol of death. Including a “4” on an elevator panel or floor plan can make a building feel spiritually tainted, especially in places associated with rest, recovery, or permanence, such as hospitals, residential towers, and hotels. In these settings, the presence of that number isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be a deal-breaker for tenants and buyers alike.
Step into an elevator in Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, or even San Francisco’s Chinatown, and you might find the 4th floor mysteriously absent. Numbers like 4, 14, or 24 are often skipped or replaced with alternatives like 3A or a direct jump to 5. It’s not a glitch or a mistake — it’s a deliberate design choice rooted in cultural psychology. In a society where feng shui plays an influential role in construction planning, avoiding the number 4 is more than superstition; it’s smart design aimed at preserving both harmony and marketability.
5.2 REAL ESTATE AND MARKET TRENDS
The ripple effect of tetraphobia goes well beyond elevator buttons—it runs deep in real estate markets. Apartments on the fourth floor often sell for less than identical units one floor up or down. Savvy buyers use the number 4 as a bargaining tool, while sellers quietly worry about listings with the dreaded digit. Developers frequently sidestep the issue by skipping fourth-floor units entirely or renaming them. In upscale projects, even parking spots and unit numbers are carefully curated to avoid any trace of the number 4.
Conversely, numbers like 8 or 9—symbols of wealth and longevity—can drive prices significantly higher. A unit labeled 888 might sell for a small fortune purely based on its perceived luck. This creates a fascinating market dichotomy, where superstition directly shapes supply, demand, and pricing. To outsiders, it may seem irrational, but for many Chinese families, the right number feels as important as the right floor plan. In today’s real estate scene, avoiding the number 4 isn’t just tradition — it’s a matter of peace of mind.
6. GLOBAL IMPACT AND EAST ASIAN SPREAD
6.1 JAPAN, KOREA, VIETNAM
Tetraphobia isn’t just a Chinese phenomenon — it echoes across East Asia, where Chinese characters and Confucian ideals have left a lasting cultural imprint. In Japan, the number 4 is pronounced shi (し), a homophone for “death” (死), just as in Mandarin. The result? Many Japanese hospitals and hotels omit Room 4, and gifts are rarely given in sets of four. Similarly, in Korea, the number 4 is pronounced sa (사), which also sounds like the word for death, leading to skipped floor numbers and modified product packaging.
Vietnam, with its own deep historical ties to Chinese linguistic and cultural traditions, avoids the number 4 for similar reasons — the word tứ shares a phonetic proximity to death (tử), triggering the same unease. These linguistic coincidences reveal how powerful cultural diffusion can be. The fear of the number 4 has become part of the collective subconscious across these societies, shaping architecture and consumer behavior. It’s a rare instance where a number transcends borders, morphing into a shared taboo across multiple nations.
6.2 MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES ADAPTING
As East Asian markets have grown into global economic powerhouses, international companies have taken notice — and taken notes. Multinational brands operating in the region have had to adapt their strategies to navigate these cultural sensitivities. For instance, when Apple released the iPhone 4S, the name sparked concern among Chinese consumers. The “4” was already unlucky, but paired with an “S” — the model was jokingly dubbed the “iPhone for death.” Sales suffered in certain regions as a result.
Other brands have learned to read between the (numbered) lines. Nokia skipped releasing a model with the number 4 in China, and Samsung has altered naming conventions for phones and devices to avoid any association with the ominous digit. Even real estate companies and hotels managed by Western firms often consult local experts to avoid floor numbers, room designations, or marketing campaigns that might inadvertently invoke tetraphobia.
7. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TETRAPHOBIA
7.1 FEAR CONDITIONING
Tetraphobia isn’t just a superstition — it’s a form of fear conditioning. From a young age, children in many Chinese families are subtly taught to avoid the number 4. A gift of four apples might earn a disapproving glance, or a toy with the number 4 is quietly swapped for a “luckier” one. These small corrections train the brain to associate the number with something wrong or unlucky. Over time, this discomfort becomes instinctive — less about logic, more like a reflex, much like flinching at a sudden noise.
As the individual grows, the stakes get higher. A fourth-floor hospital room might be offered — but politely declined. A phone number with a “4” in it may cause unease, even if it’s a good deal. This reaction is no longer conscious; it’s reflexive. By then, the fear has become self-reinforcing. The more one avoids the number, the more “dangerous” it seems. This cycle of learned avoidance is what gives tetraphobia its staying power. It’s not just belief — it’s behavioral conditioning with cultural backing.
7.2 CULTURAL REINFORCEMENT OVER TIME
What starts in the home is echoed by the wider culture, turning individual fear into a collective norm. The repetition of this avoidance in public life reinforces the idea that the fear is not just personal but practical. Unlike many superstitions that fade with exposure to modernity, tetraphobia thrives because it’s continually reaffirmed by both social habits and structural design. When society treats the number 4 like a threat, people naturally follow suit — not necessarily because they fear death, but because everyone else does.
Other brands have learned to read between the (numbered) lines. Nokia skipped releasing a model with the number 4 in China, and Samsung has altered naming conventions for phones and devices to avoid any association with the ominous digit. Even real estate companies and hotels managed by Western firms often consult local experts to avoid floor numbers, room designations, or marketing campaigns that might inadvertently invoke tetraphobia.
8. RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL CONTEXT
8.1 FENG SHUI AND NUMEROLOGY
In the practice of Feng Shui, numbers aren’t neutral—they’re charged with energetic significance. Each digit vibrates with its own kind of Qi (life force), influencing the flow of energy in a space. The number 4 is considered energetically disruptive, believed to weaken stability and attract misfortune. Just as physical clutter can block movement in a room, the presence of “4” is said to block the smooth flow of life energy, creating tension or even illness.
By contrast, auspicious numbers like 6, 8, and 9 are chosen to amplify positive energy. A home with a unit number ending in 8 might be seen as a magnet for wealth, while a 9 is thought to extend longevity and vitality. Feng Shui practitioners may advise clients to avoid not only addresses and phone numbers with 4s, but also floor plans where key rooms fall along “unlucky” energetic lines tied to that number. In this way, numerology in Feng Shui becomes less about superstition and more about spiritual design strategy.
8.2 INFLEUNCE ON DAILY RITUALS
Spiritual numerology doesn’t just shape spaces — it actively guides everyday decisions. Couples often consult Feng Shui masters or fortune tellers before setting wedding dates, ensuring they align with numerically auspicious days. A date involving the number 4 might be scrapped entirely, no matter how convenient it is, simply because it risks casting a shadow over what should be a joyful event. In a culture where symbolism carries real emotional weight, even a wedding can wait — but bad luck is never invited.
Even practical life choices — like scheduling surgeries, signing contracts, or hosting banquets — are often filtered through this spiritual lens. Serving four dishes at a celebratory meal can be seen as inviting bad luck to the table. Instead, hosts may offer six, eight, or ten courses, carefully curated to match the occasion’s energy. These choices may seem minor, but in the cultural mindset, they’re safeguards — subtle rituals that ensure cosmic alignment and protect against unseen misfortune.
9. SUPERSTITION VS. MODERN RATIONALISM
9.1 GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
The fear of the number 4 may still hold power, but its grip is weakening—especially among younger generations raised in fast-paced, hyper-connected cities. For many urban millennials and Gen Z, the number 4 is just another digit, not a death sentence. With access to global education, diverse belief systems, and a world where logic often trumps lore, younger Chinese are more likely to question, challenge, or simply shrug off traditional superstitions.
That said, the generational divide isn’t always about rebellion—it’s often about context. While a young professional might laugh off tetraphobia when choosing a username, they might still avoid renting a fourth-floor apartment if it risks upsetting the elders. The belief persists not always through fear, but through generational diplomacy—balancing modern independence with familial harmony. After all, in a culture where filial piety remains a core value, sometimes keeping the peace matters more than proving a point.
9.2 EDUCATION AND MODERN VIEWS
As science education and critical thinking gain more emphasis in Chinese classrooms, many students are learning to separate cultural symbolism from factual cause and effect. They may recognize that the number 4 has no real power to influence outcomes, but they also understand that superstitions often act as social rituals rather than literal truths. For many, it’s not about believing—it’s about belonging. And sometimes, going along is just easier than standing out.
Interestingly, some modern Chinese embrace tetraphobia with a twist of irony. Memes, social media jokes, and even parody products play off the fear of 4, turning a taboo into a talking point. Yet despite the humor, many still participate in rituals like avoiding certain numbers when buying property—not out of personal belief, but to avoid conflict or maintain peace with elders. Rational minds may scoff at superstition, but social harmony often wins the final vote.
10. INTERESTING EXCEPTIONS TO THE FEAR
10.1 WHEN 4 IS NOT FEARED
Despite its ominous reputation, the number 4 doesn’t send shivers down everyone’s spine. In some Chinese dialects—such as those spoken in certain parts of Fujian or among ethnic minorities—the pronunciation of “four” differs enough from “death” that the eerie association simply doesn’t exist. Without the phonetic link, the superstition never takes hold in the same way, allowing for a more neutral or even indifferent attitude toward the number.
Moreover, in practical or highly secular communities, especially where religion or mysticism plays a minimal role, the fear of 4 can seem unnecessary or even outdated. In tech startups or academic settings, you’ll sometimes find young professionals deliberately using the number to signal rational thinking—like naming the fourth version of a product v4 without hesitation. For them, rejecting the fear is a quiet badge of modernity. It’s not just defiance—it’s a statement that logic trumps lore.
10.2 REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDES
Geography plays a major role in shaping the fear of 4. In southern China, particularly among Cantonese speakers, the number sounds strikingly similar to “death,” making the superstition especially intense. It’s not uncommon for buildings in Hong Kong or Guangzhou to skip not just 4, but entire series of 4s—like 14, 24, even 40—just to avoid discomfort among residents. In these regions, the absence of the number is so normalized that its presence can feel jarringly out of place.
In contrast, northern regions like Beijing tend to take a more relaxed view. With greater exposure to international cultures and a generally more cosmopolitan lifestyle, residents are more likely to treat tetraphobia as a tradition rather than a rule. While older generations may still observe the taboo, many younger northerners will live on the fourth floor, use the number in usernames, or even joke about it without hesitation. The belief, it seems, fades a little with latitude.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The fear of the number 4 in Chinese culture is more than a simple superstition — it’s a reflection of how language, tradition, psychology, and spirituality intertwine in everyday life. What might appear to outsiders as irrational is, in truth, a deeply layered cultural response shaped by centuries of belief, generational memory, and even tonal nuance. It’s a number that whispers of death, not because of what it is, but because of how it sounds — and in a culture where words shape fate, that sound carries weight. Yet, like all traditions, tetraphobia is evolving. Modern influences, global exposure, and younger voices are beginning to challenge its grip. Some reject it, some reinterpret it, and others still quietly respect it out of love for family or culture. Whether feared, ignored, or laughed at, the number 4 continues to reveal something profound: that even the most ordinary of digits can become extraordinary when seen through the lens of collective belief. In the end, the fear of 4 isn’t just about a number — it’s about the stories we choose to believe, and the power we give them.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. If 4 is unlucky, why is it still used at all in Chinese society?
Despite its negative connotation, the number 4 is still necessary in daily life—on calendars, addresses, and math lessons. Avoidance is mostly situational: when symbolism matters, like weddings or property, people are more cautious. But for routine tasks, practicality usually wins.
B. Are there any numbers considered even more unlucky than 4?
Yes. Combinations like 14 (sure death) or 24 (easy death) are seen as even more ominous, especially in Cantonese-speaking regions. These compound numbers heighten the fear by intensifying the phonetic resemblance to fatal phrases.
C. How does tetraphobia influence technology or product design?
Tech companies targeting East Asian markets often skip “4” in product names—Nokia once omitted a Series 4, and Samsung and Apple have adjusted naming strategies. Even floor numbering in software UI design may avoid showing 4 in virtual hotel or real estate apps used in Asia.
D. What if I give a gift with the number 4 by mistake?
Most people will understand if you’re not familiar with the tradition, but the gesture might still land awkwardly, especially with elders. It’s best to offer gifts in pairs (2 or 8) and avoid sets of four—adding an explanation or a lighthearted comment can help smooth things over.
E. Are there any symbolic “cures” to counteract the number 4?
Yes. In Feng Shui and numerology, unlucky numbers can be balanced by lucky ones. For example, combining a 4 with an 8 (like Room 84 or Plate 48) may soften its negative meaning. Adding red colors or auspicious symbols nearby is also believed to neutralize bad energy.
Growing up with Cantonese traditions has been a wonderful experience for me. I love embracing our Chinese heritage with its rich, diverse, and enduring customs. Our Chinese culture consists of significant rituals that unite us. So, why not steep some tea, take a sip, and join us for an interesting read and discover the heart of our lasting traditions together!
Rate this blog
Subscribe
Beyond the post
In Chinese communities, if someone’s birthday falls on the 4th, 14th, or 24th, it’s usually not seen as unlucky—just a little sensitive. While more traditional families may avoid using the number 4 in decorations or choose to celebrate a day earlier for good luck, the birthday is still enjoyed like any other. Some may include lucky colors like red or use auspicious symbols to bring in positive energy.
After all, birthdays are personal—and while cultural beliefs may add a layer of caution, they rarely take the joy out of the cake.
Your sign's duality
ROOSTER
years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
trait: diligence
Roosters are hardworking and detail-oriented, known for their strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. They stay organized and reliable, often seeing tasks through with precision and care. However, this diligence can lead to perfectionism and overworking, making them overly critical or resistant to change. To stay balanced, Roosters should remember that not everything needs to be perfect. Taking breaks, prioritizing tasks, and staying flexible helps them maintain both success and well-being.