Basic Meaning
The character 四 (sì) simply means the number four. It is one of the first numbers learned in Chinese and is used in counting, dates, quantities, and more.
Usage in Context
四 is commonly used to indicate quantity, such as 四个人 (four people) or 四个苹果 (four apples). It also appears in dates, like 四月四号 (April 4th). When used in counting, it is often combined with measure words like 个 (gè).
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 四个 (sì gè): four (general measure word for objects or people)
- 四月 (sì yuè): April
- 四口人 (sì kǒu rén): four family members (口 is a measure word for people in a family)
- 四点 (sì diǎn): four o'clock
Notes
In Mandarin, 四 is pronounced sì with a falling tone. Be aware that in some Chinese dialects and in Japanese, the number four can have different pronunciations or cultural connotations. In Mandarin, it is neutral and widely used without superstition in everyday speech.