Here's why:
* Pronunciation: The Chinese word for "four" (四, sì) sounds very similar to the word for "death" (死, sǐ). This association makes the number 4 a symbol of bad luck and misfortune.
* Superstition: Many Chinese people avoid using the number 4 in everyday life, especially when it comes to things like house numbers, phone numbers, or hospital room numbers. They believe that using the number 4 will bring bad luck.
* Cultural Practices: This aversion to the number 4 is reflected in many cultural practices, such as avoiding the fourth floor in buildings or not giving gifts in sets of four.
It's important to remember that this belief is a cultural superstition, not a hatred.
It's also important to note that:
* Not all Chinese people share this belief. Younger generations may be less superstitious about the number 4.
* Other cultures may have different superstitions about numbers.
* It's best to be respectful of cultural beliefs and avoid using the number 4 in situations where it might be considered offensive.