by Are numbers just numbers? Not really. Everyone has a favorite number — maybe it’s your birthday, your wedding anniversary, or a number that once brought you good luck. Whatever the reason, numbers often hold a special meaning for us beyond just digits.
In China, numbers carry even deeper meanings — so much so that people sometimes communicate using only numbers instead of words!
This is because the Chinese language is built in a unique way. Each word is like a small puzzle piece with its own meaning, and when combined, they create different ideas. Numbers work similarly — each number represents a quantity, but when combined, they can form entirely new meanings.
Now, here’s the fun part: some numbers in Mandarin sound very similar to certain words. This creates a secret code where you can write whole sentences using just numbers!
For example, the number 520 in Mandarin is pronounced wǔ èr líng, which sounds almost like wǒ ài nǐ (我爱你) — meaning I love you. Because of this, May 20th (5/20) has become known as Internet Valentine’s Day in China.
But why “Internet” Valentine’s Day? Unlike February 14th or the traditional Chinese Valentine’s Day (七夕), which are for couples already in relationships, 520 is more about confessing your feelings to someone you like — what they call 表白 (biǎo bái).
Many people find it hard to say “I love you” face-to-face, so they turn to social media apps like WeChat, Weibo, or QQ to express their love through messages, often typing 520 or 521 (another number that sounds like I love you). Some even send virtual gifts along with their confession.
Naturally, businesses have caught on to this trend. Flower shops, chocolate brands, jewelry stores, fashion brands, and travel agencies have all turned 520 into a major marketing opportunity, offering special deals to help people express their love online.
But wait, there’s more! If you really want to impress someone, try using 52013I4 — a combination that means I love you for a lifetime. The numbers 1314 sound like yīshēng yīshì (一生一世), which translates to a lifetime together.
