TL;DR
- Chinese numbers 1–10 are built on simple shapes — easy to learn fast.
- Most numbers relate visually to meaning (一 = 1, 二 = 2, 三 = 3).
- Learn pronunciation using tones and Pinyin accuracy.
- Chinese hand signs differ from Western counting — avoid confusion in China.
- Mastering 1–10 unlocks dates, prices, and daily conversations.
What Are the Chinese Numbers 1–10?
Here’s the quick answer:
Chinese numbers 1–10 use simple characters, each with a specific tone:
| Number | Hanzi | Pinyin | Tone | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 | yī | 1st tone | |
| 2 | 二 | èr | 4th tone | |
| 3 | 三 | sān | 1st tone | |
| 4 | 四 | sì | 4th tone | |
| 5 | 五 | wǔ | 3rd tone | |
| 6 | 六 | liù | 4th tone | |
| 7 | 七 | qī | 1st tone | |
| 8 | 八 | bā | 1st tone | |
| 9 | 九 | jiǔ | 3rd tone | |
| 10 | 十 | shí | 2nd tone |
🎯 Memory hack: The first three numbers literally show quantity using strokes — super intuitive.
How to Pronounce Chinese Numbers Correctly
Mandarin is tonal — tone changes meaning entirely:
- yī (一) — 1
- yì (different tone) — can mean “to translate”
Pronunciation checklist ✅
✔ Stretch first tones (一, 三, 七, 八)
✔ Drop sharply for fourth tones (二, 四, 六)
✔ “Dip” the third tones (五, 九)
If tones feel hard, train ears using short phrases:
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 一个人 | yī gè rén | one person |
| 两天 | liǎng tiān | two days |
| 九块钱 | jiǔ kuài qián | nine yuan |
Everyday use = faster learning.
Chinese Hand Signs for Numbers 1–10 🤟
Chinese hand gestures differ from Western counting.
This helps when ordering food or telling a taxi driver a number.
| Number | Hand Gesture (China) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ☝️ One finger | Same as English |
| 2 | ✌️ V sign | Same |
| 3 | 🤟 Thumb + index + middle | Not “OK” sign |
| 4 | 🤙 Thumb + three fingers | “Call me” shape |
| 5 | 🖐 All fingers open | Same |
| 6 | 🤙 “Shaka” style | Thumb + pinky |
| 7 | Pinched shape | Looks like “7” |
| 8 | ➡️ Thumb + index like a gun | Same in some regions |
| 9 | Hooked finger | Like a claw |
| 10 | ✚ Either cross fingers or fists crossed | Represents 十 |
💡 When in China, hand signs help avoid misunderstanding in noisy places like markets.
Example Sentences With Chinese Numbers
| Mandarin | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 我有三只猫。 | Wǒ yǒu sān zhī māo. | I have three cats. |
| 我们十点见。 | Wǒmen shí diǎn jiàn. | We meet at 10 o’clock. |
| 这个十五块。 | Zhège shíwǔ kuài. | This is 15 yuan. |
See how quickly numbers become useful?
To improve listening fluency, check out
How Are You in Mandarin — greetings + number context appear often together.
Cultural Tips for Numbers 1–10 in China
Numbers have symbolic meanings in Chinese culture:
| Number | Meaning | Association |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Good fortune | “Smooth success” 六六大顺 |
| 8 | Wealth, success | Popular in phone numbers |
| 4 | Bad luck | Similar sound to “death” 四 ≈ 死 |
🚫 Avoid giving 4 items as a gift — socially awkward!
Quick Practice: Count to Ten 🚀
Say each with correct tone flow:
yī → èr → sān → sì → wǔ → liù → qī → bā → jiǔ → shí
Try counting objects around you — pens, steps, coffee cups ☕
FAQs About Chinese Numbers 1–10
Q: How long does it take to learn Chinese numbers 1–10?
Just 30 minutes with repetition.
Q: Are numbers simplified or traditional?
Numbers 1–10 look the same in both writing systems.
Q: Why do Chinese use different hand signs?
It’s a practical way to show numbers clearly in noisy environments.
Q: What number should I avoid in China?
4 (四) is unlucky — sounds like “death.”
Q: Where should I go next after learning numbers?
Learn time + money phrases using
How to Say Yes in Chinese for smoother conversations.