The Explainer is where we explain an aspect of Chinese life. Simple. So now you know.
Numbers are just numbers, right? Certainly not in the minds of those in love!
In China, a simple sequence of digits can unlock a world of emotions, whispered confessions, and even wedding vows — all thanks to the magic of phonetics.
Welcome to the fascinating world of Chinese love numerology, where numbers don’t just count, they speak the language of love.
Unlike in English, where '143' is a somewhat forced abbreviation of 'I love you' (one letter, four letters, three letters), Chinese takes a more poetic and intuitive approach.
Ever wonder why sending a RMB520 WeChat red packet is so popular on Valentine's Day? Image via That's
Many numbers sound like meaningful phrases when spoken in Mandarin, making them a perfect tool for expressing love in text messages, social media, and even romantic gifts.
Love quiz. Image via H梁小缠/Sina Weibo
So, if you’ve ever received a cryptic number text from your Chinese partner or friend, don’t panic — it’s not a math quiz!
It’s likely a love note in disguise.
520
Giving a RMB520 red packet to your loved one is a common way to show affection on Valentine's Day. Image via 甜蜜宝藏/RedNote
What it means: 'I Love You'
520 (wǔ èr líng) sounds like wǒ ài nǐ (我爱你), the standard way to say “I love you” in Mandarin.
Back in the early 2000s, young Chinese internet users started using 520 as a quicker way to confess their love in text messages.
It became so widespread that May 20 (5/20) is now an unofficial Valentine’s Day in China! On this day, couples flood WeChat with declarations of love, and brands roll out romance-themed deals.
How to use it:
“520” – A casual “I love you” in messages.
“5201314” – The ultimate love bomb, meaning “I love you forever.”
Example:
A: “晚安，520~” (Good night, 520~)
B: “我也520你！” (I 520 you too!)
READ MORE: May 20 is Yet Another Chinese Valentine's Day, Here's Why
521
What it means: 'I love you' again, but slightly different!
521 (wǔ èr yī) can also sound like wǒ ài nǐ, just with a softer tone.
While 520 is often spoken by men to women, 521 became a playful alternative for women to say “I love you” back.
Some say it’s also because May 21 (5/21) became another popular date for love confessions, especially among younger couples.
How to use it:
If your partner says “520,” you can reply with “521” as a cute response!
Example:
A: “520”
B: “521~”
880 & 885
What it means: “Hug You” and "Hug Me"
880 (bā bā líng) sounds like bào bào nǐ (抱抱你), meaning 'Let me hug you' while 885 (bā bā wǔ) sounds like bào bào wǒ (抱抱我), meaning 'Give me a hug.'
This one is perfect for sending virtual hugs in messages when you can’t be there in person.
How to use it:
“770880” – “Hugs and kisses to you”
Example:
“你今天辛苦了，880！” (You worked hard today, 880!)
1314
A different take on matching outfits in Chinese culture. Image via 美咩_/Sina Weibo
What it means: “Forever and Ever”
1314 (yī sān yī sì) sounds like yīshēng yīshì (一生一世), meaning 'one life, one world' or 'a love that lasts a lifetime.'
This number blew up in wedding culture, where 5201314 (or the shorter 201314) became the go-to phrase for marriage proposals, engraved rings, and even license plates for romantic cars.
How to use it:
“我爱你1314” – “I love you forever.”
“5201314” – “I love you forever and ever.”
Example:
“亲爱的，愿意嫁给我吗？5201314！” (Darling, will you marry me? I love you forever!)
3344
What it means: 'Forever and Ever'
3344 (sān sān sì sì) sounds like sānshēng sìshì (三生四世), referring to a love that transcends lifetimes.
It gained popularity from classic Chinese love stories and TV dramas, where lovers promise to reunite in multiple lifetimes.
How to use it:
“3344” – Used in deep, poetic love messages.
Example:
“不管来世在哪里，3344爱你。” (No matter where we are in the next life, I will love you forever.)
9420
What it means: 'Just Love You'
9420 (jiǔ sì èr líng) sounds like jiù shì ài nǐ (就是爱你), meaning 'just love you.'
This is a newer, social-media-era love code.
It’s playful, trendy, and slightly more mysterious than 520.
How to use it:
Send “9420” when you want to be extra flirty!
Example:
“今天你超可爱！9420~ ” (You’re super cute today! Just love you~)
Now you think about it, that's why she asked that question. Screenshot by That's
These love numbers have transformed how people express affection in China, making romantic communication faster, cuter, and a little more mysterious.
Whether you’re flirting with a crush, confessing your love, or just sending goodnight wishes, now you have a secret code only true romantics will understand.
So next time someone texts you “5201314”, don’t leave them hanging – reply with a sweet “521” and make their day!
READ MORE: Chinese Man Forgets 520, Buys Girlfriend Some Ocean Instead
[Cover image via That's]
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