Ever wondered how to say \”98\” in Chinese? It’s \”九十八\” (jiǔ shí bā), and once you break it down, it’s as easy as counting to three—well, almost! Chinese numbers follow a super logical pattern, and \”98\” is no exception. Let’s start with the word itself: \”九\” (jiǔ) means \”nine,\” \”十\” (shí) is \”ten,\” and \”八\” (bā) is \”eight.\” Put them together, and you’ve got \”nine tens eight,\” or more naturally, \”ninety-eight.\” Simple, right?
But why stop there? Learning numbers in Chinese is a fantastic gateway into the language. Unlike English, where numbers can get a bit quirky (looking at you, \”eleven\” and \”twelve\”), Chinese numbers are refreshingly straightforward. Once you’ve mastered 1-10, you can easily count up to 99 without breaking a sweat. For example, \”20\” is \”二十\” (èr shí), literally \”two tens,\” and \”35\” is \”三十五\” (sān shí wǔ), or \”three tens five.\” See the pattern? It’s like building with Lego blocks—each piece snaps neatly into place.
Now, let’s talk about pronunciation. Chinese is a tonal language, which means the pitch of your voice can change the meaning of a word. But don’t panic! For \”九十八,\” the tones are pretty friendly. \”九\” (jiǔ) is the third tone, which dips down and then rises, like you’re asking a hesitant question. \”十\” (shí) is the second tone, rising like you’re asking a regular question. And \”八\” (bā) is the first tone, a high, steady note, like holding a musical note. Practice saying it a few times: \”jiǔ shí bā.\” Feels good, doesn’t it?
Want a pro tip? Use numbers in everyday life to reinforce your learning. Next time you’re at a store, try counting your change in Chinese. Or challenge yourself to say your age, phone number, or even the year (like \”2025\”—\”èr líng èr wǔ\”) in Mandarin. The more you use numbers, the more natural they’ll feel. And hey, if you can already say \”98,\” you’re well on your way to counting like a pro!
So, why does this matter? Because numbers are everywhere—prices, dates, addresses—and mastering them unlocks a huge part of daily conversation. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about effortlessly rattling off numbers in another language. Imagine ordering \”98 dumplings\” (九十八个饺子, jiǔ shí bā gè jiǎo zi) without missing a beat. Now that’s a party trick!
In short, \”98\” in Chinese is a breeze once you know the system. It’s logical, rhythmic, and downright fun to say. So go ahead—count, practice, and soon you’ll be throwing around \”九十八\” like a native speaker. Who knew numbers could be this exciting? Happy counting!