Chinese Numerology vs. Western Numerology

Numerology is no one-trick pony. While the Pythagorean method is the most popular Numerology system used by enthusiasts and experts in the west, Chinese Numerology is an entirely different and wildly popular system.

Rather than associating each number with its deep-rooted personality, as Pythagorean Numerology does, Chinese Numerology is based on the sounds the numbers make when said aloud. And if a number sounds similar to a word that is considered negative or unlucky, that number, too, is considered negative or unlucky. However, luck is a concept that does not play a role in Western Numerology. Instead, each number carries with it both positive and negative qualities, and it is up to each individual to manifest the best energy possible from each number. So take a look at each of the nine single-digit numbers one by one to see how the meaning of each one aligns across the globe -- and where they differ.

Number 1 in Numerology

East: In Chinese, the word for "one" sounds like the word for "honor" in some Chinese dialects. This number represents independence, but this can also mean loneliness or isolation. The number 1 is the only number associated with the Water element, which symbolizes an ability to break through barriers on one's way to something better.

West: In the west, the number 1 in Numerology is a masculine number, the number of beginnings and creation. It is the warrior, a primal number that sets action and change into motion. Positively, this number is associated with leadership, energy, courage, and initiative, but negatively, the 1 can play out as impatient, impulsive, and confrontational. The 1 is at its most positive when in the realm of work.

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Number 2 in Numerology

East: The word "two" sounds like Chinese words for "sure" and "easy." 2 is considered a lucky number (hence, the Chinese phrase "good things come in pairs"), representing symmetry and steadfastness. The number 2 in Numerology is associated with the Earth element, which further represents stability and determination.

West: The western 2 is a highly sensitive number with a gentle personality that supports the ideas of forgiveness and understanding. On the positive side, cooperation, care, diplomacy, and friendliness are associated with the feminine 2, but the 2 can also be self-conscious, melodramatic and overly timid.

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Number 3 in Numerology

East: The word for "three" sounds similar to the Chinese words for "growth" or "birth," symbolizing life and abundance. It is thought of as a lucky number in Numerology, and is associated with the Chinese element of Wood, which supports creativity and sunrise -- or, once again, "birth".

West: The 3 is the creative child in Western Numerology. It is a happy, enthusiastic, and very social number. Positive traits of the 3 include imagination, expression, and optimism, however the 3 can also be highly vain and egotistical, scattered, and moody. Discipline is necessary to channel the positive traits of this number.

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Number 4 in Numerology

East: 4 is considered a highly unlucky number in Chinese Numerology, as the word "four" sounds like the word for "death," and therefore represents misfortune. The number 4 in Numerology is avoided at all costs in many parts of China. This number is associated with the Wood element, which, not surprisingly, also represents the concept of death and rebirth.

West: In the west, the 4 is the number of solid foundations and hard work. It is a strong and stable number that leaves no room for frivolities. Positively, the number 4 is dependable, practical, and determined, yet the number 4 can also play out in rigidity, frustration, anger and close-mindedness.

And while luck is not a part of Western Numerology, let's not look past the fact that the number considered "bad luck" in western superstitions is the 13 -- which reduces to 4. Because of its association with the number 4, 13 is often thought of as an inauspicious number in Chinese culture as well.

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Number 5 in Numerology

East: The five can be both a good number and negative number in Chinese Numerology. On one hand, it is associated with the five elements of nature, so it is linked to the positive idea of balance. However, in some Chinese dialects the word "five" sounds like the words "not" or "no," which has negative connotations. This, however, turns positive when combined with another negative word, such as "no death," which brings us right back to this idea of balance. The number 5 in Numerology is associated with the Earth element, achieving stability through balance.

West: The 5 is one of the most dynamic and energetic numbers in Western Numerology, and its personality is highly social. While Numerology number 5 is original, adaptable, adventurous and loves freedom and variety, it can also lack focus and become unreliable, or fall into the trap of overindulgence and addiction.

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Number 6 in Numerology

East: The Chinese word for "six" sounds like Chinese words for "wealth," "profitable" and "smooth," making it an auspicious word that is associated with ease and fortune. The oft-dreaded western number 666 is actually considered very positive in Chinese culture, as it triples the luck associated with the 6. The number 6 is linked with the Metal element, which naturally represents money and conviction.

West: The number 6 represents support and sacrifice in Western Numerology. It is the most harmonious of all the cardinal numbers. The 6 is the caretaker who aims to give as much as it receives. Positive influences of this number include compassion, romance and domesticity, but the 6 in Numerology can also carry on negatively as a selfish and unstable personality with an emphasis on guilt.

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Number 7 in Numerology

East: 7 is an auspicious number in Chinese Numerology, as it sounds like the words used to convey togetherness and connectivity. The number 7 in Numerology is associated with the Metal element, which supports the idea of abundance in friendships and relationships.

West: The 7 is the seeker of truth in Western Numerology. It is a spiritual number that takes nothing at face value and is on a constant search for what lies beneath the obvious. Though aware and contemplative, charming and insightful, the 7 can also tend to be possessive and withdrawn -- quite the opposite of the idea of togetherness this number carries in Chinese Numerology.

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Number 8 in Numerology

East: The 8 is the most prosperous of numbers in Chinese culture, as the word for "eight" sounds like the words for "prosper" and "wealth." It is considered a highly lucky number and is worked into daily life as much as possible in many areas of China (think addresses, wedding dates, phone numbers, cash gifts, etc.). The number 8 is associated with the Earth element, melding the ideas of stability, determination, and goals with the realm of money and success.

West: The 8 represents balance above all else in the west. Like Chinese Numerology, the 8 also represents success and prosperity in the west -- but not free of cost. One must give generously in order to receive the benefits of the 8. From a positive angle, the number 8 in Numerology represents efficiency, power, strength, and respect, but negatively, the 8 can be greedy, aggressive, and dishonest.

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Number 9 in Numerology

East: The number 9 is a positive number in Chinese Numerology, as it sounds like the pronunciation of the word "long-lasting" and represents longevity. The number 9 was also traditionally associated with China's emperor. 9 is the only number associated with the Fire element, which stands for ideas of motivation and truth.

West: In the west, the number 9 is the most worldly and sophisticated of all the cardinal numbers. The 9 is a broad and idealistic thinker, full of sympathy and compassion for all. On the positive side, the 9 is all these things plus artistic, sociable, humane, and forgiving, yet the 9 can also be seen as aloof, arrogant and romantically detached.

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