Why doesn't Korean like number 4?
Asked by: Prof. Baron Pacocha II | Last update: July 4, 2026Score: 5/5 (48 votes)
In Korean culture, the number 4 is considered unlucky due to tetraphobia, a superstition where the Sino-Korean word for four, "sa" (사), sounds identical to the Korean word for "death" (사). This phonetic similarity leads to the number being avoided in building floors, room numbers, and hospital elevators, often replaced with 'F' or skipping from 3 to 5.
Why is number 4 unlucky in Korea?
The number 4 is considered unlucky in Korea due to tetraphobia (fear of the number 4), stemming from the fact that the Sino-Korean word for four, "sa" (사), sounds identical to the word for "death" (死 - sa). Because they are homophones, the number 4 is associated with bad luck, accidents, or death, similar to the superstition surrounding the number 13 in many Western cultures.
What is the forbidden number in Korea?
In South Korea
The number 4 sounds like the hanja for "death" (사) (although Korean has no tones), so the floor number 4 or room number 4 is almost always skipped in hospitals, funeral halls, and similar public buildings.
What does the number 4 mean in Korean?
The Korean translation of the number 4 depends on the numbering system you are using:
What does 4 mean in death?
The belief that the number 4 means death, known as tetraphobia, is a common superstition in East Asian cultures (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) because the word for "four" sounds similar or identical to the word for "death".
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Why is number 4 evil?
About 20 years ago I learned that in Chinese culture, the number 4 is considered unlucky because of this association to death. Then, while learning Korean, I learned the same is true in Korean culture as well. It's unlucky for the same reason in Japan and Taiwan too.
What does 444 444 mean?
Seeing the number 444 (or 444 444) frequently is widely interpreted in numerology as a sign of divine protection, encouragement, and stability. It is often considered an "angel number" indicating that you are on the right path and supported by the universe in your current endeavors, career, or spiritual journey.
Do Koreans prefer son or daughter?
As of 2026, Koreans overwhelmingly prefer daughters over sons, representing a complete reversal from the strong son preference of the past. A 2025 Gallup survey found 28% of Koreans prefer daughters while only 15% prefer sons, making it a top "daughter-loving nation".
What does 444 mean in Korea?
In Korean culture, 444 is generally considered ominous or unlucky due to tetraphobia, where the number 4 (사, sa) sounds identical to the Korean word for "death" (사, sa), making 444 a "triple death" symbol. While 444 is viewed as a positive "angel number" (protection/support) in Western cultures, it is often avoided in Korea.
Is 4 good or bad in China?
In the Chinese language, especially in Cantonese, the pronunciation of 4 sounds very similar to “death”. Obviously this is a bad omen because death is the last thing anyone wants to be associated with. The numbers 14 and 24 are especially ominous.
Which number is bad luck in Korea?
In South Korea, the ultimate unlucky number is 4.
How old is 14 in Korean age?
A 14-year-old (international age) is generally 15 or 16 in traditional Korean age. If your birthday has passed, you are 15 (14+1); if your birthday has not passed, you are 16 (14+2). As of 2023, South Korea officially uses the international age system, though the traditional, higher age is still sometimes used informally.
Are tattoos illegal in Korea?
As of late 2025, South Korea passed a landmark bill to legalize tattooing by non-medical professionals, ending a 33-year ban. While traditionally only legal when performed by doctors, the new law allowing licensed artists to operate officially takes full effect in 2027 following a two-year transition period.
Why don't Chinese like the number 4?
Chinese culture considers the number 4 unlucky due to tetraphobia, a superstitious fear based on linguistic similarities. The Mandarin word for "four" (sìs ì𝑠ì) sounds very similar to the word for "death" (s𝚤̌s modified 𝚤 with check above𝑠𝚤̌), leading to associations with bad luck, misfortune, and mortality.
Does 444 mean death in Chinese?
In Mandarin and Cantonese, the word for “four” (四 – sì) sounds very similar to the word for “death” (死 – sǐ). Because of this phonetic resemblance, 4 is considered inauspicious or unlucky in many East Asian cultures.
Is 777 a lucky number in Korea?
On the flip side, the number seven is considered a “lucky” number, especially evident at casinos where a seven is a good dice roll at the craps table or a “777” at the slot machines wins the jackpot. Nowadays, seven has been adopted as a lucky number in Korea. Traditionally, the number three was considered good luck.
Is 4 a cursed number in Korea?
Yes, the number 4 is considered unlucky in Korea due to tetraphobia—a fear of the number 4. The Sino-Korean word for four, sa (사), sounds identical to the Korean word for death. This superstition is common, leading to the deliberate avoidance of the number in buildings and daily life.
What does God say about 444?
Biblically, 444 is often interpreted as a sign of God’s divine presence, protection, and confirmation of His purpose in a person's life. It is seen as a message that you are being "set apart" (sanctified) for His purposes, symbolizing completion, the creation of mankind in His image, and a call to trust in His timing.
What does the number 456 mean in Korean culture?
Someone in another thread mentioned that in Korea the numbers 456 in sequence means good luck/fortune.
What does 🤏 mean in South Korea?
In South Korea, the 🤏 (pinching hand) emoji is highly controversial and widely interpreted as a derogatory symbol mocking men for having small genitals. It is often associated with radical anti-male feminism and has caused major backlash in advertising, marketing, and media, frequently triggering accusations of misandry.
Can a man marry two wives legally in Korean?
No, a man cannot legally marry two wives in South Korea. Bigamy is illegal, and only monogamous marriages are recognized by law, with polygamy being prohibited since the 15th century. Foreign polygamous marriages are not recognized in South Korea.
What is the #1 cause of death in Korea?
Cancer is the #1 leading cause of death overall in South Korea, accounting for nearly a quarter of all fatalities. Lung cancer is the deadliest form, followed by liver, colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. However, intentional self-harm (suicide) is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 39 and has become the top killer for those in their 40s.
What does 4 4 4 mean?
The meaning of "4 4 4" depends on the context in which you are seeing it. The most common meanings refer to spirituality, technology, or music:
Is 444 lucky or unlucky?
444 is widely considered lucky and a positive omen in Western numerology, often seen as a sign of divine protection, grounding, and encouragement. Conversely, in some East Asian cultures (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), it is considered unlucky because the pronunciation of "four" sounds similar to "death".
What does seeing 777 mean?
Seeing 777 is generally interpreted as a powerful, positive sign of spiritual awakening, divine guidance, and good fortune. It indicates you are aligned with your soul's purpose and that your hard work is manifesting into rewards, often encouraging you to trust your intuition and embrace personal growth.