numeral HSK 1
thirteen · 13
Meaning
十三 is the number thirteen in Chinese, formed by combining 十 (ten) and 三 (three), literally meaning 'ten-three'. It follows the standard Chinese number formation pattern where numbers 11-19 are constructed by placing 十 before the ones digit.
Usage
Used in all contexts where the number thirteen appears: counting, ages, dates, addresses, quantities, etc. Chinese number formation is highly regular and logical. Note that while thirteen is considered unlucky in some Western cultures, it carries no particular superstition in Chinese culture.
Examples
- 01我弟弟今年十三岁。.My younger brother is thirteen years old this year.
- 02我家住在十三号楼。.My home is in building number thirteen.
Characters
Common collocations
- 十三岁thirteen years old
- 十三号the 13th (date), number 13
- 十三点13 o'clock, 1 PM
Origin
Direct combination following the Chinese decimal number system. The pattern of 十 plus a digit (1-9) for numbers 11-19 has been standard since ancient Chinese.