The Luckiest Number in Chinese

Most Chinese learners may have learned numbers from basic Chinese lessons. Some can even count to ten thousand in Chinese. But do you know which number Chinese people like most?

The answer is EIGHT. In China, a car with 8 included on the license plate will be a hot one. On the car's license plate, if there are lots of 8, and undoubtedly, this would be the best license plate number in China and people will pay large amounts of money for these types of license plates.

When Chinese people choose a phone number, a room number etc, they tend to choose those that contain the number “8”. As you may recall, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games began at 8 o'clock in the evening on August, 8th. In fact, the exact start time was 8 minutes and 8 seconds past 8 or 8:08:08 on 8/8/2008.

Why is that? Why does the number ‘8’ has so much reputation. That's because Chinese people believe "8" to be an auspicious number. In Chinese, the number "8 (bā)" has similar pronunciation with the word "发 (fā) to be lucky or gain wealth.” 

Eight has long been the most popular number in China. Throughout China's long history, Chinese have filled their lives with this number through architecture, literature, politics and their system of values. Today this number has become even more popular. We can see "8" everywhere. People use this number to show their wishes and hopes for a great future.

Another usage of 8 is on the internet. Nowadays all that people want is convenience and ease, hence the birth of a popular Chinese phrase “88”. If you have learned pinyin, you will know 88 sounds pretty similar to the English word “bye-bye”. Most young people would use 88 instead of typing the “long” spelling “bye-bye” when they chat with their friends through text messages.

Festival Series- Mid-Autumn Festival

We will get to know more Chinese festivals. Mid-Autumn Festival, that will be the topic of today’s online Chinese lessons. This festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in October in Chinese lunar calendar.

So, how does this festival come into being?

It all begins from a story: there were said to be ten suns in the sky, which scorched all crops and drove people into dire poverty. A hero named Hou Yi ascended to the top of the Kunlun Mountain and, directing his superhuman strength to full extent, drew his extraordinary bow and shot down the nine superfluous suns one after another. He also ordered the last sun to rise and set according to time. For this reason, he was respected and loved by the people and lots of people of ideals and integrity came to him to learn martial arts from him. A person named Peng Meng lurked in them.

One day when Hou Yi led his disciples to go hunting, Peng Meng, sword in hand, rushed into the inner chamber and forced Chang E to hand over the elixir. Aware that she was unable to defeat Peng Meng, Chang E made a prompt decision at that critical moment. She turned round to open her treasure box, took up the elixir and swallowed it in one gulp. As soon as she swallowed the elixir her body floated off the ground, dashed out of the window and flew towards the moon.

Color black in Chinese

In the previous Study Chinese series, we have leaned the color of Green and its meaning in Chinese culture. Today, we will learn another color: Black.

The Chinese character for this color is 黑色. This character may be a little complicated when we write it, so we should really pay some efforts in learning Chinese characters.

In western or American culture, black may not be a pleasant word. For example, people in those countries may use “black day” to describe a bad or sad day. Another example is the “Black Friday”, which is believed by many Christians that Jesus died on that day. So, black Friday means unlucky day.

But, black, corresponding to water, is a neutral color in China. The Daoism regards black as Heaven’s color. That’s why the Taiji symbol uses black and white to represent the unity of Yin and Yang. Ancient Chinese regarded black as the king of colors and honored black longer than any other color. And the Dao School chose black as the color of the Dao. 

In modern China, black is used in daily clothing. And in some area, black may also be used during a funeral to symbolize the spirit's return to the heavens. A black ribbon is usually hung over the deceased's picture.

Color learning is a big part of Chinese language learning, because of its meanings underneath the word. You may study Chinese or learn pinyin with a tutor if necessary, because a face-to face guidance will certainly be more helpful.

Taking part in Contest to learn Chinese

Learning mandarin is no doubt the first choice when people consider picking up a language to learn. The reason is various. There are many ways to learn mandarin: some tend to seek Chinese tuition while others take part in Chinese contest. Many students who are learning mandarin take part in such contest as Chinese speaking contest, Chinese debating contest, etc. That’s why a lot of Chinese language completions were held in many countries, such as Singapore, America, and Australia.

Those who learn mandarin Singapore may be excited these days. In the afternoon of 17 senior group of final, 8 contestants have not satisfied through the speech show Chinese, have the talent show, not only the authentic Chinese name, the talent show is tunnel: blow to pull her, Chinese kung fu, tongue twisters, rap, Chinese "the mouth kung fu" native to China than young people was opened.

Get the "Chinese bridge" senior group of champions Si MaXian also say, Chinese in Singapore was "fire", he has been learning Chinese for less than 1 years, but learning mandarin helped him understand Chinese culture, so more study is fast." He said, learning Chinese, let him know that his past to know China better "superficial", now more and more like Chinese, also more and more like Chinese culture.

Chinese consulate general education counselor Cen Jianjun attended the game, he cannot help but praised the players "high level", he also encouraged beginners to learn pinyin and to take part in Chinese language contest like this one "one country language learning is the best way to learn about the country that China and Singapore Cultural exchange between the countries will continue to put forward the friendship between the two countries.

Are you also one of those who learn mandarin Singapore? Why not join us in the contest and show your Chinese off?