NetChai Chinese

How to Say “Nine” in Chinese

九
jiǔ
Nine
A child carefully arranges nine small colorful blocks, illustrating “nine” in Chinese: 九 (jiǔ)

九 (jiǔ) is the number nine in Mandarin Chinese. It is a fundamental numeral used in counting, expressing quantities, dates, and times.

What does 九 (jiǔ) mean?

九 (jiǔ) means “nine” in English.

When to use it

Neutral and universally applicable. In Chinese culture, 九 (jiǔ) is often associated with longevity and completeness.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “jee-OH” with a falling-rising (third) tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 九月jiǔ yuèSeptember
  • 九点jiǔ diǎnnine o'clock
  • 九成jiǔ chéngninety percent

Examples

他有九本书。
tā yǒu jiǔ běn shū.
He has nine books.
我们九点见面吧。
wǒmen jiǔ diǎn jiànmiàn ba.
Let's meet at nine o'clock.
今天九月九号。
jīntiān jiǔ yuè jiǔ hào.
Today is September 9th.
Pro tip: The number nine is considered auspicious in Chinese culture, often symbolizing eternity or longevity because its pronunciation is similar to 久 (jiǔ), meaning “long-lasting.”

Related phrases

七 · Seven八 · Eight两 · Two (liǎng)

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