8 in Cantonese = 八 (baat³)

The number 8 in Cantonese is 八 (baat) pronounced "baht" with a mid level tone (tone 3) and unreleased "t". It's the luckiest number.

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Baat (八) with tone 3:

• Say "baht" (like "bot" with "ah")
• Don't release the "t"
• Keep pitch mid-level and flat (tone 3)
• Unreleased "t" ending

Tone 3: Mid level (33) - steady middle pitch

Cultural Significance: THE Luckiest Number

Why 8 is the LUCKIEST:

• 八 (baat³) sounds like 發 (faat³) = prosper, get rich, wealth
• 發財 (faat³ coi⁴) = to make a fortune
• Most auspicious number in Cantonese culture

Extreme real-world impact:

• Phone numbers with 8s cost THOUSANDS extra
• License plates: 88, 888, 8888 are extremely valuable
• Buildings charge premium for 8th floor
• Addresses with 8 are most expensive
• Businesses open on 8th
• August 8 (8/8) weddings cost more
• 8888 phone numbers can cost HK$1,000,000+

Practical Usage

Counting: ...七、八、九... (cat¹, baat³, gau²...) Phone numbers: 8 = 八 (baat³) - VERY desirable Prices: $8 = 八蚊 (baat³ man¹) Times: 8:00 = 八點 (baat³ dim²)

Common Phrases

第八 (dai⁶ baat³): Eighth 八個 (baat³ go³): Eight (items) 發財 (faat³ coi⁴): Get rich (same sound as 八) 恭喜發財 (gung¹ hei² faat³ coi⁴): Wishing you prosperity (Chinese New Year greeting)

The Beijing Olympics

Olympics opened:

• Date: 08/08/08
• Time: 8:08:08 PM
• Deliberately chosen for maximum luck with 8s

Quick Takeaways

• 8 = 八 (baat³)
• Tone 3: mid level
• THE LUCKIEST NUMBER
• Sounds like "prosper/get rich"
• Phone numbers with 8 extremely valuable
• Unreleased "t" ending
• Jyutping: baat³

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Cantonese.