The character 「八」 might seem simple at first glance, but it holds a wealth of meanings and uses in the Chinese language. Let’s explore the various contexts where 「八」 is significant:
Mandarin (Pinyin): bā
Cantonese (Jyutping): baat3
- The Eighth Natural Number: In mathematics, 「八」 represents the eighth natural number. It is written in uppercase as 「捌」 and in Arabic numerals as “8”.
- Quantity of Eight: The number 「八」 is used to denote a quantity of eight. Examples include:
- 「八人」 (eight people)
- 「八位」 (eight positions)
- 「四維八德」 (the four virtues and eight principles)
- 「八仙海過」 (the Eight Immortals crossing the sea)
- Multiple Aspects: 「八」 can also imply multiple aspects or a general plurality. Examples include:
- 「四通八達」 (extending in all directions)
- 「威風八面」 (imposing from all sides)
- 「八面玲瓏」 (versatile and resourceful)
Additionally, when 「八」 is used in colloquial speech before a departing tone character, it can be pronounced with a rising tone. For instance:
- 「八號」 (number eight)
- 「八拜之交」 (sworn brothers)
As we can see, 「八」 is much more than just a number. It is deeply embedded in various aspects of language and culture, showcasing the richness and complexity of Chinese expressions.
