Dictionary — Entry No. 0933
사
sa-num · noun
사
sa-num
[sah-noom]
nounbeginner
Meaning
The number four from Sino-Korean system (사), culturally significant as a taboo number in Korean tradition due to homophone with 죽음 (death). Avoided in buildings, gifts, and formal contexts.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
This is critical cultural knowledge. Korean buildings skip floor 4; elevators show 1,2,3,5. BLACKPINK has four members but this number is treated carefully. Understanding the 4 taboo shows cultural awareness essential for K-pop and K-drama appreciation.
Example Sentences
사 층을 건너뛰었어요
sa cheung-eul geonneotnwui-eosseo-yo
They skipped the 4th floor — superstition in buildings and elevators
사월 팔일
sa-wol pal-il
April 8th — using Sino-Korean for dates despite superstition context
사계절
sa-gye-jeol
Four seasons — acceptable use despite number being taboo
⚠️ Don’t use sa-num when…
NEVER ignore the 4 taboo in Korean culture — it’s not superstition to dismiss, it’s a real cultural practice showing respect. Don’t confuse 사 (four) with 사 (person/scholar) — completely different words despite identical sound.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Squid Game — the games systematically eliminate players; Game 4 is particularly brutal and players dread reaching that level
- K-Pop: BLACKPINK — four-member group that succeeded despite the unlucky number; Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa represent breaking the 4 taboo in modern K-pop
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.