In Chinese, the number 4 is written as 四 (sì). This single character is read in two different tones, depending on the context. When it is used as an ordinal, it is read as sì (fourth), and when it is used as a cardinal, it is read as si (four). 四 is generally understood by Mandarin speakers, and is one of the few numerals that has a direct translation in Chinese.
Etymology of 四
The character 四 was first used in oracle bone script, a form of writing used during the Shang dynasty (1766BCE – 1122BCE). The character was then adopted by the Zhou dynasty (1122BCE – 256BCE) and used in their bronze inscriptions. The character 四 is thought to represent a hand, with each finger representing a unit.
Uses of 四
The character 四 is used in a wide variety of contexts. It is used to represent the number four in mathematics, dates, and addresses, as well as to indicate the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). It is also used to express the idea of completeness, as in the phrase 四象 (sìxiàng), which means “the four directions” or “the four corners of the earth.”
Variations of 四
In addition to its standard form, 四 can also be written in simplified form as 丨. This form is rarely used, however, and is generally only found in very old or archaic texts. There are also some variations of 四 that are used as slang, such as 囹 (líng) and 囿 (yòu). These variations are not generally used in formal writing.
Other Forms of Writing the Number Four
In addition to 四, the number four can also be written in Chinese using the Arabic numeral 4 (4). This is typically used in contexts where Arabic numerals are common, such as in dates and addresses. It can also be written using the Roman numeral IV (IV). This is typically used in contexts where Roman numerals are common, such as in hour and minute markings on clocks and watches.
Conclusion
In Chinese, the number four is written as 四 (sì). This single character is read in two different tones, depending on the context. It is one of the few numerals that has a direct translation in Chinese and is used in a wide variety of contexts. In addition to its standard form, 四 can also be written in simplified form as 丨 and there are some variations that are used as slang. The number four can also be written in Chinese using the Arabic numeral 4 (4) or the Roman numeral IV (IV).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chinese word for 4?
In Chinese, the number four is written as 四 (sì).
What are the different forms of writing the number four in Chinese?
In addition to 四, the number four can also be written in Chinese using the Arabic numeral 4 (4) or the Roman numeral IV (IV).
What is the etymology of the character 四?
The character 四 was first used in oracle bone script, a form of writing used during the Shang dynasty (1766BCE – 1122BCE). The character was then adopted by the Zhou dynasty (1122BCE – 256BCE) and used in their bronze inscriptions. The character 四 is thought to represent a hand, with each finger representing a unit.
Are there any slang variations of the character 四?
Yes, there are some variations of 四 that are used as slang, such as 囹 (líng) and 囿 (yòu). These variations are not generally used in formal writing.
What is the tone of 四 when used as a cardinal?
When used as a cardinal, 四 is read as si (four).
What is the tone of 四 when used as an ordinal?
When used as an ordinal, 四 is read as sì (fourth).
What contexts is the character 四 typically used in?
The character 四 is used in a wide variety of contexts. It is used to represent the number four in mathematics, dates, and addresses, as well as to indicate the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). It is also used to express the idea of completeness, as in the phrase 四象 (sìxiàng), which means “the four directions” or “the four corners of the earth.”
How is the character 四 written in simplified form?
In addition to its standard form, 四 can also be written in simplified form as 丨. This form is rarely used, however, and is generally only found in very old or archaic texts.
What does the phrase 四象 (sìxiàng) mean?
The phrase 四象 (sìxiàng) means “the four directions” or “the four corners of the earth.”