
You say four in Chinese as 四. The pinyin is sì. The sound uses a falling tone. Practice this sound to get better. Many people think learning Chinese numbers is easy. Online tools can help you learn. Coachers.org teaches you how to say and write it. You can use four in Chinese with confidence.
Key Takeaways
Say four in Chinese as 'sì' with a falling tone. Practice saying it so people understand you.
Learn the character 四 by practicing how to write it. Follow the right steps to get better at writing.
Know what the number four means in Chinese culture. Be careful about its meaning so you do not confuse people.
Four in Chinese

Character
You see the character 四 when you want to write four in chinese. This character is one of the most important numbers in the language. You will find it in many places, such as street signs, books, and phone numbers. The character has a simple shape, but it stands out among other characters.
Chinese characters have a long history. Long ago, people used a different form called 亖. Over time, the shape changed to what you see today. Now, 四 is the standard way to write four in chinese. You will use this character often as you learn more numbers and words.
Tip: Practice writing characters every day. This helps you remember their shapes and meanings.
Pronunciation
You say four in chinese as "sì." The pinyin spelling is s-i with a falling tone. The tone is very important. If you use the wrong tone, people may not understand you. The fourth tone starts high and drops quickly, like your voice is falling.
Many beginners find tones hard at first. You can listen to native speakers and repeat after them. Try to match their pitch and speed. Coachers.org gives you a chance to practice with real teachers. You get feedback on your pronunciation, so you can improve faster.
Here is a table to help you see the pinyin and tone for four in chinese:
Character | Pinyin | Tone | Example Sound |
---|---|---|---|
四 | sì | Fourth | Falling |
How to Read Four in Chinese
You will often need to read four in chinese in daily life. You might see it on clocks, in addresses, or when counting objects. When you read this number, remember to use the correct tone. This helps people understand you clearly.
Chinese characters can look difficult at first, but you will get better with practice. Try to read simple sentences that use numbers. Look for four in chinese in books or online stories. You can also join lessons at Coachers.org to practice reading and speaking. Teachers will guide you and help you learn how to read characters with confidence.
Note: Learning to read characters takes time. Stay patient and keep practicing every day.
How to Write Four in Chinese

Stroke Order
Learning the correct stroke order helps you write Chinese characters neatly and clearly. The character for four, 四, uses five strokes. Each stroke has a specific direction and sequence. If you follow the right order, your writing will look more like what native speakers use.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the stroke order for 四:
Draw the top horizontal stroke from left to right.
Make the vertical stroke down the left side.
Add the short horizontal stroke inside the box, near the top.
Draw the second short horizontal stroke inside the box, below the first one.
Finish with the closing stroke, which goes down the right side and then curves left at the bottom.
Tip: Always start with the outer box before adding the inner strokes. This rule helps you remember the order for many Chinese numbers 1-100.
You can see the stroke order in this table:
Stroke Number | Stroke Direction | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Horizontal (left-right) | Top line of the box |
2 | Vertical (top-bottom) | Left side of the box |
3 | Horizontal (left-right) | Top inner line |
4 | Horizontal (left-right) | Bottom inner line |
5 | Vertical + Hook | Right side and bottom of the box |
Practicing the correct stroke order makes it easier to learn other chinese numbers 1-100. You will notice that many characters share similar stroke patterns. This skill will help you as you move on to more complex numbers and words.
Writing Practice Tips
You can improve your writing by practicing the stroke order every day. Start by tracing the character for four on paper. Focus on each stroke and try to keep the lines straight and even. Use lined paper or special Chinese character practice sheets to help you space the strokes correctly.
Try these tips to make your practice more effective:
Say the stroke number out loud as you write each one.
Watch videos or animations that show the stroke order for chinese numbers 1-100.
Use online tools that let you trace and repeat each stroke. Coachers.org offers guided writing sessions where you get feedback from expert coaches.
Practice writing other chinese numbers 1-100, such as 一 (one), 二 (two), and 三 (three). This helps you see how stroke order rules apply to many characters.
Note: Correct stroke order is important for legibility. If you use the wrong stroke order, your characters may look messy or be hard to read. Good stroke habits also make it easier to learn new chinese numbers 1-100 in the future.

When you practice with Coachers.org, you get step-by-step guidance. Coaches show you how to write each stroke and help you fix mistakes. You can ask questions and get personal feedback. This support makes learning chinese numbers 1-100 much easier and more fun.
Usage and Cultural Notes
Everyday Use
You will see the character 四 in many places in China and other Chinese-speaking regions. People use 四 when they count objects, read phone numbers, or talk about dates. For example, you say 四月 (sì yuè) for April and 星期四 (xīng qī sì) for Thursday. When you count from one to ten, 四 comes after 三 (three) and before 五 (five).
You also use 四 in compound numbers. To say fourteen, you write 十四 (shí sì), which means "ten four." For forty, you write 四十 (sì shí), which means "four ten." This pattern helps you learn other numbers quickly.
Tip: Practice reading numbers in addresses, prices, and phone numbers. This will help you get used to seeing and saying 四 in real life.
Cultural Considerations
You should know that the number four has special meaning in Chinese culture. Many people avoid using 四 because it sounds like the word for "death" (死, sǐ). You may notice that some buildings skip the fourth floor or that people avoid giving gifts in sets of four.
Here is a quick table to show the difference:
Number | Pinyin | Meaning | Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
四 | sì | Four | Falling tone |
死 | sǐ | Death | Falling-rising tone |
Coachers.org teaches you about these cultural details. You learn how to use numbers politely in conversation and business. Coaches help you understand when to use or avoid certain numbers. This knowledge helps you show respect and build better relationships in Chinese-speaking communities.
Note: Understanding culture is just as important as learning words. Coachers.org includes these lessons in every course.
You now know how to say, read, and write four in Chinese. Practice every day to master counting in chinese. Coachers.org gives you expert coaches, flexible online sessions, and personal feedback. You can learn at your own pace. Start your journey today! Start learning today!
FAQ
How do you remember the stroke order for 四?
You can say each stroke out loud as you write. Practice with tracing sheets or online tools. Repetition helps you remember the correct order.
Why does the number four sound unlucky in Chinese?
The word for four (sì) sounds like the word for death (sǐ). Many people avoid using four in gifts or addresses because of this.
Can you use 四 in business settings?
Yes, you can use 四 in business. Just stay aware of cultural sensitivities. Coachers.org teaches you how to use numbers politely in professional situations.
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