9 in Cantonese = 九 (gau²)

The number 9 in Cantonese is 九 (gau) pronounced "gow" with a high rising tone (tone 2). It's considered lucky.

Quick Answer

Pronunciation

Gau (九) with tone 2:

• Say "gow" (rhymes with "cow")
• Start mid-high and rise higher (tone 2)
• High rising tone
• Like asking a question in English

Tone 2: High rising (25) - start at mid-high, rise to high

Common mistakes:

• Not rising enough
• Starting too low
• Using falling tone instead

Cultural Significance: Lucky Number

Why 9 is lucky:

• 九 (gau²) sounds like 久 (gau²) = long-lasting, eternity
• Represents longevity and permanence
• Very auspicious for relationships

Real-world impact:

• Wedding gifts: 999, 9999 = long-lasting love
• 99 roses = love forever
• Phone numbers with 9 are desirable
• Dates with 9 good for weddings
• Less intense than 8, but still lucky

Practical Usage

Counting: ...八、九、十... (baat³, gau², sap⁶...) Phone numbers: 9 = 九 (gau²) Prices: $9 = 九蚊 (gau² man¹) Times: 9:00 = 九點 (gau² dim²)

Common Phrases

第九 (dai⁶ gau²): Ninth 九個 (gau² go³): Nine (items) 長長久久 (coeng⁴ coeng⁴ gau² gau²): Forever and ever (using 9's symbolism) 九九 (gau² gau²): Ninety-nine (often used for "forever")

Gift-Giving

Good amounts with 9:

• 99 = long-lasting
• 999 = very auspicious
• 9999 = extremely lucky for relationships

Commonly used in red envelopes (利是) and gifts.

Quick Takeaways

• 9 = 九 (gau²)
• Tone 2: high rising
• Lucky - means "long-lasting"
• Good for weddings and relationships
• 99 roses = love forever
• Popular in red envelope amounts
• Jyutping: gau²

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TravelNum shows you how numbers are pronounced in Cantonese.