Numbers are one of the first things you should learn when studying a new language, and in Mandarin Chinese, numbers are straightforward and easy to remember. They are used for counting, prices, dates, time, and daily conversations, making them essential for communication.
In this guide, we’ll teach you Chinese numbers 1-10, their pronunciation, hand gestures, and cultural significance!
Chinese Numbers 1-10: Characters, Pinyin, and Pronunciation
Here’s a quick guide to Chinese numbers from 1 to 10:
| Number | Chinese Character | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 1 | 一 | yī | ee (1st tone) |
| 2 | 二 | èr | ar (4th tone) |
| 3 | 三 | sān | san (1st tone) |
| 4 | 四 | sì | ssuh (4th tone) |
| 5 | 五 | wǔ | woo (3rd tone) |
| 6 | 六 | liù | leo (4th tone) |
| 7 | 七 | qī | chee (1st tone) |
| 8 | 八 | bā | bah (1st tone) |
| 9 | 九 | jiǔ | joe (3rd tone) |
| 10 | 十 | shí | sher (2nd tone) |
🔊 Pronunciation Tip:
- 一 (yī) changes tones in some contexts:
- Before 4th-tone words, it changes to yí (2nd tone) → e.g., 一个 (yí gè, one of something).
- Before 4th-tone numbers, it changes to yì (4th tone) → e.g., 一万 (yì wàn, ten thousand).
How to Use Chinese Numbers in Daily Life
Here are common phrases that include numbers 1-10:
🔹 我有三个兄弟姐妹。
(Wǒ yǒu sān gè xiōngdì jiěmèi.)
I have three siblings.
🔹 请给我五个苹果。
(Qǐng gěi wǒ wǔ gè píngguǒ.)
Please give me five apples.
🔹 今天是四月九号。
(Jīntiān shì sì yuè jiǔ hào.)
Today is April 9th.
🔹 这个东西值十块钱。
(Zhège dōngxī zhí shí kuài qián.)
This item is worth 10 yuan.
📌 Grammar Tip:
- 个 (gè) is a common measure word used after numbers when counting objects or people.
Chinese Hand Gestures for Numbers 1-10
In Chinese culture, people often use hand signs to show numbers (especially when bargaining in markets). Here’s how to gesture 1-10 with one hand:
| Number | Gesture Description |
| 1 | Raise index finger ☝️ |
| 2 | Raise index + middle finger ✌️ (like a “peace” sign) |
| 3 | Raise index, middle, and ring finger |
| 4 | Raise index, middle, ring, and pinky finger |
| 5 | Show an open palm 🖐️ |
| 6 | Extend thumb and pinky (like the “call me” 🤙 gesture) |
| 7 | Touch thumb, index, and middle finger together |
| 8 | Extend thumb and index finger (like a finger gun 🔫) |
| 9 | Curl index finger (like a hook) |
| 10 | Make an “X” sign with index fingers or a closed fist ✊ |
📌 Why use hand gestures?
- They are helpful in noisy places (markets, restaurants).
- They reduce miscommunication when bargaining.
The Cultural Significance of Chinese Numbers
In Chinese culture, numbers often have symbolic meanings due to their pronunciation. Some numbers are considered lucky, while others are unlucky.
Lucky Numbers 🍀
✅ 8 (八, bā) – Symbol of wealth & prosperity
- Sounds like “发 (fā)”, meaning “to prosper”.
- Many Chinese businesses and phone numbers include 8 for good luck!
✅ 6 (六, liù) – Smooth success
- Sounds like “流 (liú)”, meaning “flow”.
- 666 is a positive phrase in China, meaning “everything goes smoothly.”
✅ 9 (九, jiǔ) – Longevity
- Sounds like “久 (jiǔ)”, meaning “long-lasting”.
- Commonly used in weddings and traditional celebrations.
Unlucky Numbers ❌
⚠️ 4 (四, sì) – Death
- Sounds like “死 (sǐ)”, meaning “death”.
- Many buildings skip the 4th floor (like how Western buildings avoid the 13th floor).
📌 Superstition Tip:
- Many people avoid phone numbers or license plates with 4.
- Hotels and hospitals often skip room number 4!
How to Count Beyond 10 in Chinese
Once you know 1-10, counting beyond is simple! Chinese numbers follow a logical pattern.
| Number | Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
| 11 | 十一 | shí yī | 10 + 1 = 11 |
| 12 | 十二 | shí èr | 10 + 2 = 12 |
| 20 | 二十 | èr shí | 2 × 10 = 20 |
| 50 | 五十 | wǔ shí | 5 × 10 = 50 |
| 100 | 一百 | yī bǎi | 100 |
📌 Pattern:
- 11-19: 十 (shí) + number (e.g., 十五 = 15)
- 20-90: Number + 十 (e.g., 二十 = 20, 四十 = 40)
- 100+: 百 (bǎi) for hundreds, 千 (qiān) for thousands
Master Chinese Numbers with Migaku
Want to learn numbers and more naturally? With Migaku, you can:
✅ Listen to real spoken Chinese from movies, YouTube, and dramas.
✅ Instantly look up words and hear native pronunciation.
✅ Create smart flashcards to remember numbers effortlessly.
✅ Track your progress and improve fluency with Spaced Repetition.
Whether you’re learning Chinese for travel, shopping, or business, Migaku makes studying fun and effective!
Ready to improve your Chinese?
Start learning with Migaku today! 🚀
