一（幺）
yāo
1 in phone numbers (yāo)
When you read out phone numbers, room numbers or other digit sequences in Chinese, the number 1 (一 yī) is pronounced yāo instead. The character used to write this reading is 幺 - so 139 is read 幺三九 (yāo sān jiǔ). This prevents confusion with 七 (qī), which can sound similar to yī over the phone.
What does 一（幺） (yāo) mean?
一（幺） (yāo) means “1 in phone numbers (yāo)” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “one (in sequences).”
When to use it
Specific to numerical sequences like phone numbers, ID numbers, or room numbers. In general counting or mathematical contexts, always use 一 (yī).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “YOW” (as in "meow" without the "m"). It's a high, flat tone.
Other ways to say it
- 一yīstandard "one"
- 单数dānshùodd number
- 数字shùzìdigit / number
Examples
我的手机号码是幺三九。
wǒ de shǒujī hàomǎ shì yāo sān jiǔ.
My phone number is 139.
房间号是幺零幺。
fángjiān hào shì yāo líng yāo.
The room number is 101.
请说出你的身份证号码，幺幺零幺。
qǐng shuōchū nǐ de shēnfènzhèng hàomǎ, yāo yāo líng yāo.
Please say your ID number, 1101.
Pro tip: Always use 幺 (yāo) for "1" in phone numbers and similar sequences to ensure clarity, especially when speaking quickly or over a poor connection.
Related phrases
你是哪年出生的？ · What year were you born你的生日是几月几号？ · When is your birthday你几岁？ · How old are you (to a child)
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