The Chinese zodiac is part of Chinese astrology that links your birth year to one of the twelve zodiac signs and is often used by people asking what a Chinese zodiac sign is to deduce personality traits and predict one’s future. Part of a 12-year cycle, it not only influences personal identity but also provides a path to check compatibility in relationships and even take important career decisions.
To find your Chinese zodiac sign, identify the animal corresponding to your birth year; a method commonly used when wondering what my Chinese zodiac sign is. For example, if you were born in 1990, your sign is the Horse. Each zodiac sign is associated with unique personality traits and compatibility insights that offer a fascinating glimpse into Chinese zodiac traditions and the meaning of zodiac sign dates.
Key Takeaways
- The Chinese zodiac is a traditional astrological system based on the 12-year cycle, with each year being represented by an animal.
- Each of these animals reflects personality traits and life tendencies.
- Chinese zodiac signs are used to decode compatibility in marriages, friendship, and professional relationships.
- The Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—interact with the zodiac signs and create a complex pattern that influences life decisions.
- The traditional legend of the Jade Emperor explains the order of the zodiac animals and symbolises the core traits associated with each sign.
- The Chinese zodiac system has influenced other Asian cultures, such as Vietnam and Korea, where local adaptations reflect cultural and linguistic differences.
What Is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac is based on the 12-year cycle, where each year is represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These zodiac signs are arranged in a specific order and represent traits that a person born under this sign is thought to have.
For example, those born in the Year of the Horse (2026) are traditionally seen as energetic and adventurous, while Rabbit years are thought to be gentle and cautious.
The signs are also associated with yin and yang, reflecting the balance between complementary and opposing forces. Beyond personal traits, the 12-year cycle also influences cultural practices as zodiac signs are used to understand compatibility in relationships, guide career choices, and determine auspicious timings for important events.
We are born at a given moment, in a given place and, like vintage years of wine, we have the qualities of the year and of the season of which we are born.
Carl Gustav Jung
Even historically, the 12-year cycle guided agrarian societies, helping them in agricultural planning.1
Rat
Intelligent, adaptable, intuitive
Ox
Strength, reliability, determination
Tiger
Leadership, power, bravery
Rabbit
Compassion, gentleness, longevity
Dragon
power, good fortune, intelligence
Snake
Intuition, transformation, intelligence
Horse
Energy, freedom, perseverance
Goat
Gentle, creative, calm
Monkey
Clever, curious, humorous
Rooster
Observation, honesty, punctuality
Dog
loyal, protective, prudent
Pig
Prosperity, generosity, sincere
How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign
Finding your Chinese zodiac sign is quite simple. In astrology, your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by your birth year within a repeating 12-year cycle rather than by your birth month as in Western astrology.2
If you are wondering 'what is my Chinese zodiac sign?", here is how you determine it.
- Enter your birth year in the zodiac calculator below.
- Match your year with the corresponding animal.
- And there you have your zodiac animal sign.
| Zodiac Animals | Years |
|---|---|
| Rat | 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 |
| Ox | 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 |
| Tiger | 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 |
| Rabbit | 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 |
| Dragon | 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 |
| Snake | 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 |
| Horse | 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 |
| Goat | 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 |
| Monkey | 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 |
| Rooster | 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 |
| Dog | 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 |
| Pig | 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 |
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals and Their Meanings
The Rat - (鼠 shǔ)
Rat years
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Rat colours
- Lucky: black, gold, blue, green
- Unlucky: yellow, brown
Rat numbers
- Lucky: 2, 3, 6, 8
- Unlucky 4, 5, 9
The Rat Personality
- Rats are quick-witted, versatile, and they adapt to any situation.
- They are optimistic and outgoing, and they're often considerate of others.
- They have good problem-solving abilities and are quite shrewd.
- However, the Rat can be self-centred and stubborn as well.
- They may even lack persistence, leaving hard tasks undone.
The legend says that Rat and Cat rode across the river, together on Ox's back.
We know Rat tricked Ox by jumping off and running ahead.
However, Rat also pushed Cat off Ox's back mid-river.
So, the Chinese zodiac does not feature Cat
But other cultures that use this system sometimes do.
Rat Compatibility
Anything creative: writing, photography, painting, fashion.
Also, medicine, engineering, and finance are suitable Rat career fields.
Best with Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Rooster, Dog, Pig
Bad with Horse; Avoid Sheep
The Ox - (牛 niú)
Ox years
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Ox colours
- Lucky: green, red, purple
- Unlucky: white, blue
Ox numbers
- Lucky: 8, 3
- Unlucky: 6, 9
The Ox Personality
- Ox is calm and persistent, hard-working and honest.
- People born in Ox years are strong-willed, yet tolerant.
- On the downside, Ox can be stubborn and clumsy, especially with words.
- The overcautious Ox may also be unsociable, at times.
Many who ask this question look at these traits and wish to be a different animal.
Keep in mind that all Chinese zodiac meanings have ups and downsides.
Ox Compatibility
Anything requiring persistence: law, medicine, technician, and work that demands even temper: police, politics, teaching, government work.
Best with Snake, Rooster, Rat
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Bad with Sheep; Avoid Horse
The Tiger - (虎 hǔ)
Tiger years
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Tiger colours
- Lucky: grey, white, blue, purple, orange, black
- Unlucky: gold, silver, brown, pink
Tiger numbers
- Lucky: 0, 1, 3, 4, 5
- Unlucky: 6, 7, 8
The Tiger Personality
- Tigers are confident and brave, loyal and trustworthy.
- They are known for their strong leadership qualities.
- They are quite daring and known for their adventurous spirit.
- But Tigers can act rashly and can also be short-tempered.
The tiger-head hat (虎头帽, hǔtóumào) is a traditional Chinese children’s hat with tiger designs and is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect children.
Tiger Compatibility
Leadership positions or solo work, such as explorer or politics. Outdoor work, particularly sports activities, and cultural installations, fit well, too.
Best with Horse, Dog, Pig;
Fine with Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Sheep, Rooster
Bad with Monkey Avoid Snake
The Rabbit - (兔 tù)
Rabbit years
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rabbit colours
- Lucky: black, pink, purple, blue, grey, red
- Unlucky: brown, yellow, white
Rabbit numbers
3, 6, 9
The Rabbit Personality
- If you've ever wondered "What Chinese zodiac am I?", be happy if our calculator shows you're a rabbit. Rabbits are known for their gentle and considerate nature, friendly and compassionate.
- They are also known for their diplomatic and intuitive qualities.
- They are great listeners.
- On the downside, Rabbits struggle to make decisions and tend to be timid.
Rabbit Compatibility
Anything nurturing: a teacher, a farmer, working with animals, or a place in the ministry. Some artistic endeavours are good Rabbit choices.
Best with Sheep, Dog, Pig
Fine with Rat, Ox, Tiger, Snake, Horse, Monkey
Bad with Rooster; Avoid Dragon
The Dragon - (龙 lóng)
Dragon years
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Dragon colours
- Lucky: yellow, green, blue
- Unlucky red
Dragon numbers
- Lucky: 1, 6, 7
- Unlucky 2, 8, 9
The Dragon Personality
- Chinese zodiac personality: Dragon is a confident and ambitious person.
- They are energetic, intelligent, and generous and honest in all their dealings.
- However, they can also be conceited, arrogant, and be dismissive of other people's opinions.
Dragon Compatibility
Any communication work: teacher, writer, or politician. Dragons are great with finance, so banking, cashiering, or anything along that line.
Best with Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Ox, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Pig
Bad with Dog; Avoid Rabbit
The Snake - (蛇 shé)
Snake years
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Snake colours
- Lucky: red, light yellow, black
- Unlucky: white, golden, brown
Snake numbers
2, 8, 9
The Snake Personality
- Snakes are graceful, wise, and good at speaking.
- Snakes are also perceptive and funny, and are quite sociable.
- Snakes have a suspicious nature and can be sly and untrustworthy.
Snake Compatibility
Snakes excel as politicians, designers, or psychologists. Also, Snakes are great at anything in arts and entertainment.
Best with Ox, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Rat, Dragon, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Dog
Bad with Pig; Avoid Tiger
The Horse - (马 mǎ)
Horse years
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Horse colours
- Lucky: blue, red, gold, yellow,
- Unlucky: orange, green, dark green
Horse numbers
- Lucky: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9
- Unlucky: 2, 3, 6
The Horse Personality
- Horses are patient, warm-hearted, independent with an easy-going nature.
- You can count on a steady temperament and an upright demeanour from any Horse you meet.
- That sounds like Horse is the luckiest Chinese zodiac sign, but this majestic creature has its pitfalls.
- They are vain, extravagant and can also be opinionated, outspoken, and inflexible in their views.
Horse Compatibility
Discovery is Horse's trademark, so adventuring, entrepreneurship, or science are great fields. Their outspoken side might lead them to politics or marketing and sales.
Best with Tiger, Sheep, Dog
Fine with Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster
Bad with Rat
Avoid Ox
The Goat (山羊 Shānyáng)
Sheep years
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Sheep colours
- Lucky green, red, purple
- Unlucky: gold, brown
Sheep numbers
- Lucky: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
- Unlucky: 6, 8
Several cultures follow this zodiac system, but each has its own variations.
In China, Sheep (Ewe or Ram) prevail, but in Vietnam, the goat is the eighth animal.
The Sheep Personality
- Ewes are soft-hearted and considerate, reliable and thrifty.
- They are highly empathetic.
- They are creative but can be moody and often pessimistic.
In 2014, Chinese couples rushed to marry ahead of the upcoming Ram year.
During 2015, China registered record low marriage and birth rates, as couples wanted to avoid an ill-fated marriage, and having an Ewe baby.
Sheep Compatibility
Taking orders is what they're good at, so service industry jobs are perfect for Sheep. They may express their artistic side as a writer, painter or musician.
Best with Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Fine with Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dog
Bad with Ox; Avoid Rat
The Monkey - (猴 hóu)
Monkey years
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Monkey colours
- Lucky: white, blue
- Unlucky: red, black, grey
Monkey numbers
- Lucky: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8
- Unlucky: 2, 5, 9
The Monkey Personality
- Monkeys are intelligent and self-assured, enthusiastic and innovative. If the answer to "what is my Chinese zodiac sign?" is Monkey, you'll find yourself discoursing at length, for Monkeys are eloquent.
- They are very curious and meet challenges strategically.
- They tend to be impatient and opportunistic, lacking the perseverance to see anything through.
Monkey Compatibility
Anything with lots of variety: entertainer, athlete, or stockbroker. Monkeys are great in 'logical' jobs like programming and detective work.
Best with Rat, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Ox, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Rooster, Do
Bad with Tiger; Avoid Pig
The Rooster - (鸡 jī)
Rooster years
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Rooster colours
- Lucky: gold, brown, yellow
- Unlucky: white, green
Rooster numbers
- Lucky: 5, 7, 8
- Unlucky: 1, 3, 9
The Rooster Personality
- Roosters are ambitious, capable, quick-witted and confident.
- The outgoing Rooster has great foresight and is fiercely independent.
- For all that, Roosters can be remarkably narrow-minded and selfish.
- They tend to be critical and impatient, and often sabotage their own success through their overconfidence.
Rooster Compatibility
Anything public-facing - politics, public speakers, or diplomats- are ideal Rooster career. Roosters also make great actors!
Best with Ox, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Rat, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Rabbit; Avoid Dog
Among traditional foods to eat on Lunar New Year, you'll find a whole chicken - head, feet, and all. As the superstition goes, the bird's feet symbolise the ability to hold wealth. Tradition dictates that the head of the household should eat them.
The Dog - (狗 gǒu)
Dog years
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Dog colours
- Lucky: black, green, red, purple
- Unlucky: blue, white, gold
Dog numbers
- Lucky: 3, 4, 9
- Unlucky: 1, 6, 7
The Dog Personality
- Like the four-legged friends we know today, zodiac Dogs are loyal, reliable, righteous, and quick-witted.
- They are clever and responsible, often putting the needs of others before their own.
- However, zodiac Dogs can be emotional and stubborn, with a tendency toward conservative views.
Dog Compatibility
Any position that requires trust: lawyers, teachers, doctors, or civil servants. Thanks to their cleverness and imagination, any creative venture is a good fit for Dogs.
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Horse
Fine with Rat, Ox, Snake, Sheep, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Dragon
Avoid Rooster
The Pig - (猪 zhū)
Pig years
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Pig colours
- Lucky: yellow
- Unlucky: red, blue
Pig numbers
- Lucky: 2, 5, 6, 8
- Unlucky: 3, 4, 9
The Pig Personality
- Pigs are warm-hearted and sincere.
- They are known for being generous to a fault and often too honest for their own good.
- You can count on Pig friends to deliver daily doses of optimism.
- The gullible Pig is often jealous and loses its temper when others get the best of them.
Pig Compatibility
Nurturing jobs suit Pigs the best: agriculture and animal care; perhaps even a doctor or a civil servant.
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep
Fine with Rat, Ox, Dragon, Horse, Dog
Bad with Snake; Avoid Monkey
If Pig is your answer to "What is my Chinese zodiac sign?", you might wonder why Pig is last. According to the legend, he stopped to eat along the way and then grew sleepy, so he had a nap.
Chinese Zodiac and the Five Elements
In the Chinese zodiac, the Five Elements play an important role in Chinese astrology, helping shape personality traits for each Chinese zodiac sign and are often explored by those asking what is a Chinese zodiac sign or what is my Chinese zodiac sign.
The Five Elements are:
- Wood: Wood represents growth and renewal and encourages creativity and innovation in each Chinese zodiac sign.
- Fire: Fire represents passion, energy and dynamism and is connected to leadership and assertiveness in the Chinese zodiac, influencing how zodiac signs express ambition.
- Earth: Earth represents stability, reliability, and brings a sense of grounding and focus on nurturing and dependability.
- Metal: Represents strength, rigidity, and determination. Metal elements are associated with courage, ambition, and the ability to withstand challenges.
- Water: Symbolises wisdom, flexibility, and fluidity. Water elements encourage communication, intuition, and sensitivity in each zodiac sign.
In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed and breakthrough. It reflects a stage of life that moves boldly forward without the fear of obstacles, placing emphasis on being in motion rather than standing still.
Susan Gu, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, as said to Vogue
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility
As we know by now, each year is associated with a particular animal Chinese zodiac sign and one of the Five Elements. Together, they create a unique profile for every individual and influence their personality traits, love life and how they will fare in life according to Chinese zodiac dates.
Checking for compatibility among the various signs can provide you with guidance and give you input on how to progress in life, and help answer questions like “what is my Chinese zodiac sign?” or what is a Chinese zodiac sign.
In Chinese astrology, the 12 zodiac signs are divided into groups based on traditional compatibility systems: Three Harmonies, Six Harmonies, Six Conflicts, and Six Damages.
- The Three Harmonies consist of highly compatible groups of Chinese zodiac signs that share similar outlooks on life. Example: Goat, Rabbit and Pig
- Six Harmonies are mutually compatible pairs that often form strong friendships and supportive family relationships. Example: Monkey and Snake
- Six Conflicts pair opposite zodiac signs that clash yet attract. Example: Dragon and Dog
- Six Damages represent the most incompatible matches that struggle to understand each other. Example: Goat and Rat
The Legend Behind the Chinese Zodiac
According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor needed 12 animals to guard his palace. He sent out a call across the lands that the first 12 to reach him would win the honour. A contest of sorts ensued, with loyalty, trickery and gluttony determining the outcome.
The Emperor wanted the loyal, hard-working ox as his first animal. However, Ox's good nature left him open to Rat's trickery. Ox carried him across the river, and then Rat jumped off his back and rushed to the Emperor's side. Thus, Rat became the first Chinese zodiac sign.
The other animals arrived, singly or by twos and threes. The horse thundered into the Emperor's sight, with Snake wrapped around its leg. The sight of Snake frightened Horse, causing him to fall behind. So, the order of the zodiac signs reflects the Snake arriving ahead of the Horse.
Sheep, Monkey and Rooster worked together to get across the river. Pleased with their collaborative spirit, the Emperor awarded them their places in that order.
This legend reflects many of the traits people born under each Chinese zodiac sign embody.
The Dog appeared later, crossing the river leisurely and finally came the Pig, who had stopped along the way to eat and rest, thus completing the zodiac.
Chinese Zodiac in Other Asian Cultures
The Chinese zodiac is not just restricted to China but to several other Asian countries like Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and Japan.3
Vietnam
In Vietnam, the zodiac is derived from the Chinese zodiac and is linked to the legend where the Jade Emperor creates a calendar by assigning each year to an animal. However, differences exist.
- In Vietnam, the Cat has replaced the Rabbit. The Chinese word for Rabbit (“Mão”) sounded quite similar to the Vietnamese “Mèo” (Cat), leading to its substitution over time. Anyway, the cat is a beloved domestic animal, which further strengthened its position in the Vietnamese zodiac.
- In addition, the Water Buffalo, a symbol of agriculture and quiet strength, is preferred over the Ox.
Korea
In Korea, the zodiac closely follows the Chinese zodiac system. Zodiac signs are commonly used to predict yearly luck, interpret a baby’s fortune at their birth, and even before marriage to assess compatibility.
References
- Study on the Twelve Zodiac Signs. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357641898_Twelve_Chinese_Zoosigns_of_Zodiak_Tradition_and_Modernity. Accessed on January 16, 2026.
- Study on the Chinese zodiac. Available at https://www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/jecs/article/view/41542/10120. Accessed on January 16, 2026.
- Analysis of the difference between the Chinese zodiac and the Western zodiac. Available at https://drpress.org/ojs/index.php/ijeh/article/view/12236. Accessed on January 16, 2026.
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