II. The Cultural Difference of English and Chinese Numerals

From ancient times, there are different taboo and preference numerals in different countries. A same numeral would have similar or different associative meanings in the different cultural background. In this part, several examples will be presented to show that the cultural difference of Chinese and English numerals.

2.1 Comparison between English and Chinese Numerals

Due to the different cultural background, different psychological, social, and regional concepts and conventions, etc, the same numeral in Chinese and English probably convey quite different meaning. Surely, it may also deliver quite similar or even same, meaning as well. 

2.1.1 The Same Meaning of the Same Numeral

In Chinese, the numeral “one” is the origin of all everything. Since ancient times, “one” was respected by Chinese people. Similarly in western, “one” represents the supreme. In addition, “one” is the symbol for the “first” or “winner” of the association in both languages. Thus, in Chinese and English culture, both give “one” the similar associative meaning.

“The three begets all things of the world” is to establish the important position of number “three”, in which “three” means ultimate, auspicious. Religion in China means Buddhism is the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha Sambo; “Tripitaka” includes classics, law and theory; “three realms” includes heaven, hell, on earth; “Sansheng” includes former health, life, and the afterlife. Obviously, “three” is the symbol the sacred and perfect in the Chinese culture. In English culture, “three” usually means good luck. The Christian Father, Son and Holy Spirit are called “Trinity”; Pythagoras believed that “three” is the only one with a head, tail, belly, it is a perfect numeral.