4 in Cantonese = 四 (sei³)

The number 4 in Cantonese is 四 (sei) pronounced "say" with a mid level tone (tone 3). It's considered unlucky because it sounds similar to "death".

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Sei (四) with tone 3:

• Say "say" (like English "say")
• Keep pitch mid-level and flat
• Mid level tone (33)

Tone 3: Mid level - steady middle pitch

Cultural Significance: Unlucky Number

Why 4 is unlucky:

• 四 (sei³) sounds like 死 (sei² - death)
• Very similar pronunciation, only tone differs
• Deeply avoided in Cantonese culture

Real-world impact:

• Buildings skip 4th floor
• No room 4, 14, 24, 40-49
• Hospitals especially avoid 4
• NEVER give gifts in sets of 4
• Phone numbers with 4 are cheaper
• License plates avoid 4

Practical Usage

Counting: ...三、四、五... (saam¹, sei³, ng⁵...) Phone numbers: 4 = 四 (sei³) - but avoided Prices: $4 = 四蚊 (sei³ man¹) Times: 4:00 = 四點 (sei³ dim²)

Common Phrases

第四 (dai⁶ sei³): Fourth 四個 (sei³ go³): Four (items)

Gift-Giving Warning

NEVER give:

• Sets of 4 items
• Anything in groups of 4
• Money amounts with 4

This is considered extremely unlucky and offensive.

Quick Takeaways

• 4 = 四 (sei³)
• Tone 3: mid level
• UNLUCKY - sounds like "death"
• Avoid in gifts and addresses
• Buildings skip floors with 4
• Jyutping: sei³

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Cantonese.