37. 数字与谐音
The Chinese concept of lucky numbers is similar to that of other cultures. The key to distinguish good or bad numbers for Cantonese is based on sound. For example, the number two is fortunate, because it is similar to the sound of“easy”. Three is associated with living. The number four sounds like“death”in Chinese. Six represents good luck. Eight is associated with“prosperity”and is desirable for all occasions. Nine is associated with“eternity”. Originally it could only be used by the imperial family. For example, the Forbidden City was designed with 9,999 rooms.
中国幸运数字（lucky numbers）的概念与其他文化相似。对广东人来说，区别好数字与坏数字的关键是根据发音。例如，2是幸运的，因为它和“容易”的发音相似。3与生活有关。4在汉语里听起来像“死”。6代表好运。8与“繁荣”有关，所有场合都适用。9与“永恒（eternity）”相联系。起初只有皇家（the imperial family）才能用9。例如，故宫就设计有9999个房间。
