八 (bā) - eight & numerous

八Tone 1

bā ｜ 2 strokes ｜ radical: 八

傲不

八 · bā

eight;

numerous;

many;

all around;

both sides.

eightnumerousmany

Usage highlights

eighteighthAugusteightyeight hundredall directions

Synonyms

  • 捌— eight (formal, used in financial contexts to prevent fraud)

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • There are eight people (八个人).
  • The number eight is considered lucky (八 is lucky).
  • She was born in August (八月).
  • The Eight Immortals (八仙) are famous in Chinese mythology.

Collocations

  • eight(八)
  • eighth(第八)
  • August(八月)
  • eighty(八十)
  • eight hundred(八百)
  • all directions(八方)

Idioms

  • In all directions(四面八方)
  • The Eight Immortals cross the sea, each showing their divine power(八仙过海，各显神通)
  • Seven up and eight down(七上八下)
  • Disorderly(乱七八糟)
  • All-encompassing(五花八门)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The number eight is considered extremely auspicious in Chinese culture due to its pronunciation 'bā' sounding similar to 'fā' (发), which means 'to prosper' or 'wealth'.
  • It is a common element in dates, addresses, and prices chosen for good luck, such as during the Beijing Olympics which started on 8/8/2008.
  • Represents completeness and balance, as in the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) of Taoist cosmology.

FAQ