九
- nine, number 9, ninth;
Etymology
In oracle bone script and bronze inscriptions, the character 九 resembled the shape of an elbow. Today, the character specifically meaning "elbow" is 肘.
Usage in Korean
Because 9 is the largest single-digit number, it can also carry the meaning of many or abundant. Additionally, due to its similar pronunciation to 久 ("long-lasting" or "enduring"), it can also imply longevity or something old.
A variant or associated character is 玖, which originally means "jade stone" but shares the same pronunciation and is thus used as a homophone.
In China, 九 is also used as slang for alcohol (酒, jiǔ), simply because they sound the same.
