Juhachi: The Number 14 in Japanese
In Japanese culture, the number 14 is considered a unique and important number, with its own set of characteristics and implications. Here are some interesting aspects of the number 14 in Japanese:
Pronunciation and Writing
The Japanese word for 14 is juuhachi (), which is a combination of two kanji characters: juu () meaning "ten" and hachi () meaning "eight".
Cultural Significance
In Japan, the number 14 is considered an unlucky number, similar to the Western superstition surrounding the number 13. This is because the pronunciation of juuhachi is similar to the phrase jūshi (), which means "to die" or "to perish". As a result, many Japanese people tend to avoid using the number 14 in their daily lives, such as avoiding 14th floors in buildings or room numbers.
Idiomatic Expressions
In Japanese, there are several idiomatic expressions that incorporate the number 14. For example, juuhachi-ban () means "14th place" or "last place", implying someone or something is at the bottom of the list. Another example is juuhachi-gumi (), which refers to a group of 14 people or things.
Numerology
In Japanese numerology, the number 14 is considered a dynamic and energetic number, often associated with creativity, innovation, and progress. People with a strong connection to the number 14 are said to be curious, adaptable, and open-minded.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 14 in Japanese culture holds a unique set of connotations and implications. While it is considered an unlucky number, it also represents creativity, innovation, and progress. Understanding the cultural significance of numbers is an important aspect of appreciating Japanese culture and society.
