The number 4 superstition in East Asia is deeply rooted in linguistic associations and cultural beliefs. In countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, the digit four is avoided in everyday life due to its phonetic similarity to the word for “death.” From skipping the 4th floor in buildings to avoiding the number in hospital rooms, this superstition continues to influence decisions in surprising ways.
1. Why the Number 4 Sounds Like Death
The basis of the number 4 superstition in East Asia lies in language. In Mandarin Chinese, “four” is pronounced sì (四), which sounds nearly identical to sǐ (死), meaning death. The same goes for Japanese, where “four” (shi) and “death” (shi) share pronunciation. In Korean, both are pronounced sa (사).
Because of this similarity, the number 4 is believed to bring bad luck, especially in contexts involving health, life, and safety.
2. How Tetraphobia Shows Up in Daily Life
The fear of the number 4 is known as tetraphobia, and it appears in many ways across East Asian cultures:
- Elevators in China and Korea often skip the 4th floor. The panel may read 1, 2, 3, 5.
- Hospitals avoid assigning beds or rooms with the number 4.
- License plates and phone numbers containing 4 are often cheaper or considered unlucky.
These examples show how seriously the number 4 superstition in East Asia is taken, even in modern society.
3. Country-Specific Beliefs About the Number 4
China
Tetraphobia in China is especially strong. In real estate, properties on the fourth floor often have lower market value. Luxury apartment buildings might re-label the 4th floor as “3A” or remove it entirely.
Japan
In Japan, the number 4 is frequently avoided in hospitals, funeral rites, and even gifts—especially sets of four items, which are seen as inappropriate for celebrations.
South Korea
While younger Koreans are less affected by superstitions, buildings still avoid labeling floors with the number 4, especially in medical or residential areas. Public perception still matters.
4. Are People Still Afraid of the Number 4 Today?
While beliefs are slowly fading among the younger generations, businesses and institutions still respect the number 4 superstition in East Asia. This is partly to avoid offending older or more traditional customers. The superstition may no longer be “believed,” but it’s still influential.
5. Global Perspective: Other Cultures and Numbers
East Asia is not alone in its number-based fears:
- Western cultures fear 13, especially Friday the 13th.
- Italy fears the number 17.
- Afghanistan has taboos around 39.
This shows that numbers hold symbolic power globally, shaped by language, religion, and culture.
Conclusion: The Lingering Power of Number 4
The number 4 superstition in East Asia isn’t just about language—it’s a reflection of deep cultural psychology. Even as societies modernize, this belief continues to influence architecture, healthcare, and even phone number pricing. Understanding this superstition offers a unique window into East Asian cultures and how tradition still coexists with modern life.
