In Vietnam, numbers hold much more significance than just their face value-they’re deeply tied to cultural beliefs that influence everyday decisions. Similar to how we have our own superstitions and lucky numbers, certain numbers in Vietnam are avoided because they’re thought to bring bad luck. This can impact everything from phone numbers to license plates and even addresses. Let’s dive into the list of unlucky numbers in Vietnam in the following VTJ article!

Unlucky numbers in Vietnam

Number 4 – A close call with death

In Vietnam, the number 4 is considered unlucky, and there’s a pretty interesting reason behind it. The main reason why the number 4 is seen as bad luck comes from the way it sounds in Vietnamese. The word for “four” is “tứ,” which sounds almost exactly like the word “tử,” meaning “death.” This similarity in pronunciation has led people to associate the number 4 with death and all the negativity that comes with it.

Because of this connection to death, the number 4 is often avoided in everyday life. For example, in buildings, you might notice there’s no 4th floor; instead, it’s labeled as “3A” or just skipped altogether. People also try to avoid having the number 4 in things like phone numbers, license plates, or even house numbers. It’s just one of those cultural beliefs that’s stuck around, and many people still take it seriously.

So, while it might seem strange at first, the fear of the number 4 in Vietnam has deep roots in the language and cultural beliefs, making it one of the most avoided numbers in the country.

Number 7 – Ghosts and Misfortune

In Vietnamese culture, the number 7 is often considered unlucky. This belief comes from old stories and historical events. In Vietnamese, the number 7 is linked to loss and death. For example, there’s a saying, “Tháng bảy là tháng cô hồn,” which means “July is the month of ghosts.” This is because July, the 7th month of the lunar calendar, is thought to be a time when spirits of the dead are more active. As a result, people tend to avoid things associated with the number 7, seeing them as bad luck.

Besides these ghostly connections, the number 7 is also seen as a symbol of misfortune in other ways. For instance, there’s a saying, “Chớ đi ngày 7, chớ về ngày 3,” which translates to “Don’t leave on the 7th, don’t return on the 3rd.” This suggests that starting or finishing important journeys on these dates might bring bad luck. Because of these beliefs, people often steer clear of using the number 7 in big events like weddings or moving to a new home.

Number 13 – A global unlucky number

The number 13 is considered unlucky in many parts of the world, not just in Vietnam. This idea comes from Western stories and traditions. For example, in Christian tradition, the 13th guest at the Last Supper was Judas, who betrayed Jesus. This story helped make the number 13 famous for being unlucky.

In Vietnam, this belief has also taken hold. For example, many high-rise buildings skip the 13th floor, jumping from the 12th floor straight to the 14th. People also tend to avoid scheduling important events on the 13th day of the month, especially if it falls on a Friday, because they believe it might bring bad luck.

Read more: What are the lucky numbers in Vietnam? Meaning and role

Other unlucky numbers in Vietnam

Several phone numbers are considered unlucky in Vietnam:

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Number 49:

• The number 49 is considered extremely unlucky in Vietnam. This belief stems from traditional customs and the association of the number with death and mourning. The number 49 is linked to a belief that spirits linger for 49 days after death before moving on, making the number 49 a symbol of the end of this mourning period. As a result, the number is avoided in various aspects of life, especially when it comes to license plates and addresses, as it is believed to bring misfortune.

Number 53:

• Similar to 49, the number 53 is also viewed with apprehension. It is often associated with bad luck and difficulties. People believe that having the number 53, especially in license plates, can signal setbacks.

Number 2224:

• In Vietnam, the number 2224 is considered very unlucky. This is because it sounds like “Mãi mãi toàn tử,” which translates to “forever failing” or “eternal failure.” This number is undesirable for phone numbers or addresses, as it’s believed to bring ongoing misfortune.

Number 2201:

• The number 2201 translates to “Mãi mãi không nhất,” which means “forever second place.” This number is avoided because it suggests difficulty in achieving top positions or success, which can be seen as a disadvantage in both personal and professional life.

Read more: What should Expat wear as a guest at a wedding in Vietnam?

Why do many cultures have the concept of unlucky numbers?

Why do unlucky numbers matter?

Understanding these unlucky numbers helps us see how cultural beliefs shape daily life in Vietnam. Even though these numbers might seem like just regular digits, they have special meanings here. People believe that avoiding these numbers can help them steer clear of bad luck and problems.

In Vietnam, numbers play a big role in decisions about things like phone numbers, license plates, and even house addresses. It’s interesting to see how cultural beliefs can influence these everyday choices. Even if you don’t believe in these superstitions yourself, it’s good to know why people in Vietnam pay attention to these numbers.

So there you have it-a look at some of the unlucky numbers in Vietnam and why they are important. Whether it’s the number 4, 7, 13, or any other, these numbers carry special meanings and influence how people make decisions. It’s a fascinating part of Vietnamese culture that shows just how powerful beliefs can be in shaping our lives.