The number four has a bad connotation, but also some others.
I regularly post messages on LinkedIn to share what I see in the Chinese domain market. A few days ago, I wrote about several 4 character domains, including 44QP.com, with 5-figure asking prices. That post started a lively discussion.
One reader wrote “Isn’t 4 undesirable in Chinese numerology?” Many people may not like “4” and the given reason is its association with death as it sounds like the Chinese character 死 (death). But, did you know that “4” also sounds like many other words without the negative connotation? For illustration, here are 10 Chinese characters which rhyme with “4”. Many more are possible.
Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
---|---|---|
世 | Shi | generation |
丝 | Si | silk |
事 | Shi | affair |
势 | Shi | power |
试 | Shi | try |
司 | Si | manage |
士 | Shi | scholar |
时 | Shi | time |
石 | Shi | stone |
示 | Shi | show |
Note that each Chinese character can have multiple meanings. For simplicity, only one meaning is included for each Chinese character in the table.
So, as you can see, “4” is not always bad. That explains why there are companies in China using domains containing “4”. For example, 4.cn is a well-known domain marketplace and 444.cn is a website selling domains. Also, 4399.com is a game site operated by Si San Jiu Jiu (四三九九) which ranks No. 42 on the 2019 Top 100 Chinese Internet Companies list.
Ethan says
Actually, the two Chinese words of “silk” and “manage” are first tone, and other words are retroflex. Therefore I personally would not say they rhyme with the Chinese word of death, which is fourth tone and non-retroflex.
Kassey Lee says
I try to find words that sounds “like” 4.
Ethan says
I see. The words do sound like 4. Anyway, those companies are comfortable with their domain names, so I think there is no need for me to raise any concern in this respect.
Salah says
140400.com
Ethan says
Correction: The Chinese word of death is third tone.
Data Glasses says
Wtf ….. someone just regged Corona4/Com
Patricia Kaehler says
where’s the list of the Top 100 Chinese Internet Companies… ??
Kassey Lee says
Report is in Chinese and available at http://www.hlis.org.cn/ueditor/php/upload/file/20190819/1566180893112777.pdf
Kassey Lee says
I have also written the article “What domains the Top 100 internet companies in China prefer”
which you can find at https://domainnamewire.com/2020/03/10/what-domains-the-top-100-internet-companies-in-china-prefer/