How to buy flowers in China

Number Theory

Bouquets in China typically come with either 9, 11, 19, 33, or 52 buds. Each number represents a different meaning in Chinese culture.

9's: Show eternal love or support

The meaning of the numbers 9 and 19 comes from a homophone of the Chinese word for "9" (九 - jiu3). The character 久 by itself means "a long time" and is part of the idiom 天长地久 (tian1chang2di4jiu3), which means "as enduring as the heavens and earth." So, if you send someone a bouquet of 9 roses or 19 carnations, it expresses long-term feeling, relationship, or commitment. For truly high-rollers, you can even send a bouquet of 99 flowers!

11's and 33's: Show a lifelong commitment

Similarly, the meaning of the numbers 11 and 33 come from idioms. The phrase 一生一世 (yi1sheng1yi1shi4) means "for all my life" and literally translates to one life one epoch, so sending a bouquet of 11 flowers signifies a life-long expression. On the other hand, the phrase 三生三世 (san1sheng1san3shi4) means "for all three of my lives," referring to the Buddhist idea of the present life, past life, and future life. Therefore, sending 33 flowers shows an even stronger commitment.

52: "I love you!"

The popularity of sending bouquets of 52 flowers has only risen in recent years. Read in Mandarin, the numbers 520 (wu3 er4 ling2) sound similar to the phrase 我爱你 (wo3 ai4 ni3) - "I love you." Sending 52 flowers is an expression of wo3 ai4, or "my love." If you\'re really feeling generous, you can even send 520 roses for the fullest expression of modern love!

Show friendship or respect

Flowers can also be a great gift for platonic friends, bosses, teachers, and in-laws. Instead of roses, look for sunflowers, carnations, lilies, hydrangeas, or any kind of assortment.

Flower Pronunciations

Here's a quick reference for the Mandarin pronunciation of different types of flowers you\'ll find in China, as well as what they represent.

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