Hand gestures are used throughout the world, but the same gesture can have different meanings in different cultures. Most cultures have similar gestures for the numbers one to five, but Chinese cultures also have gestures for six to ten. All number gestures are commonly used in commerce or day-to-day communication.

One 一（yī ）

• The index finger is extended.

Two 二（èr）

• The index and middle fingers are extended.

Three 三（sān）

• With the index finger and thumb closed, the last three fingers are extended. 
• The thumb holds the little finger in palm with the middle three fingers extended.

Four 四（sì）

• The thumb is held in palm with the four fingers extended.

Five 五（wǔ）

• All five digits are extended.

Six 六（liù）

• The little finger and thumb are extended, other fingers closed, sometimes with the palm facing the signer. (The extended thumb indicates one set of 5)

Seven 七（qī）

• The fingertips are all touching, pointed upwards; or just the fingertips of the thumb and first two fingers

Eight 八（bā）

 

• The thumb and index finger are extended, and they make an "L", other fingers closed, with the palm facing the observer.

Nine 九（jiǔ）

• The index finger makes a hook, other fingers closed, sometimes with the palm facing the signer.

Ten 十（shí）

• The index fingers of both hands are crossed in an “X” with the palms facing in opposite directions.
• The fist is closed with the palm facing the signer; or the middle finger crosses an extended index finger, facing the observer.