- Internet Access
- Chinese Money & Currency Exchange
- China Health and Travel Vaccinations
- Chinese Visas
- Chinese Embassies Abroad
- Foreign Embassies in Beijing
- Chinese Language Guide and Phrase Book
- Chinese Telephones and Phone Cards
- Chinese Toilets
- Getting around: Beijing Transport
- Chinese Finger Counting
- Seven Step Beijing Trip Planning
- « BACK TO MAIN
See Also...
Beijing Travel
Chinese Finger Counting
Chinese Finger Counting – somewhat easier than Mandarin
You’d think that at least if you can’t speak Chinese, you could get by by counting on your fingers… not so!
The way Chinese people show number on their fingers is different from the way we do it in the West. Here’s a quick tutorial.
1-5 are roughly the same:
1
2
By the way, this sign is not considered rude in China.
3
4
5
6
Six is a little more difficult.
7
We have no idea how this came to mean seven… Let us know if you do.
8
Supposedly the reason this means eight is because if you turn it about 120 degrees clockwise it looks a little like the Chinese character for eight – 八
9
10
The finger-sign for ten looks just like the Chinese character for ten – 十
Visitor Comments
I lived in Shenyang for many years and the # 10 was represented often by the closed fist. To make the sign above requires 2 hands, so not convenient for people in the markets.
From Sherry Gray · 14 April 2007, 20:41
The problem here is that the Chinese do not signal 3 like that! They make a circle with the thumb and first finger and hold the remaining 3 up.
I will ask about the fist.
From Gary · 19 May 2007, 03:46
Agreed about the 3; thought it looked a bit odd.
From Sherry Gray · 14 September 2007, 19:00
Yes, 3 is always with the outside fingers, never with the index finger. Also, 10 is not made by holding one hand sideways to make a T but by making an X or a fist. Source: 4.5 years living in China
From Lance · 25 January 2008, 01:34
Beijing Hotels
Great discounts on Beijing hotels
Beijing hotels – from backpacker hostels to elegant courtyard hotels, Beijing Made Easy gives you the lowdown on where to stay and how to book it – Beijing hotels made easy.
Beijing Flights
Flights to Beijng from around the world
Beijing Flights – flying times and getting to Beijing Capital Airport, flight booking and who to fly with – everything you need to make Beijing flights easy.
Beijing Attractions
What to see and do around Beijing
Wonder at the Great Wall, be awed by the magnificent Forbidden City, drink in the scenery from a boat on the Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake.
Thanks, I’d been looking for these.
From PanAsianBiz · 3 February 2007, 19:28