你的生肖是什么？| Guide to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

The Chinese Zodiac, known as (生肖 shēngxiào), is a system that has guided Chinese culture for centuries. It is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal.

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This week, let's find out which animal you are in the Chinese zodiac and learn the Chinese names for each of the signs.

01. The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac (生肖 shēngxiào) is a unique system that helps people understand their personality traits and fortunes based on their birth year. Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is based on the sun's position, the Chinese Zodiac has a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with a specific animal.

• 水 (shuǐ) - water;
• 火 (huǒ) - fire;
• 木 (mù) - wood;
• 土 (tǔ) - earth or soil;
• 金 (jīn) - metal.

.BONUS.

03. Animals from the Chinese Zodiac

Now, let's take a closer look at all the twelve animals, each associated with specific traits and characteristics.

01. The Rat 🐭

The zodiac traditionally begins with the sign of the Rat. Charming and sociable, Rats thrive in social settings and excel at navigating challenges with quick wit and resourcefulness.

• Years: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

• Fixed Element: 水 (shuǐ), water

• Personal Traits: intelligent, adaptable

• Best Match*: Dragon, Monkey, Ox

*Each Chinese Zodiac sign is thought to reflect distinct personality traits, and compatibility charts based on the Five Elements Theory illustrate how these signs interact.

02. The Ox 🐮

Oxen are known for their strong work ethic and determination. They value tradition and are often seen as trustworthy and loyal.

• Years: 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

• Fixed Element: 土 (tǔ), earth

• Personal Traits: diligent, reliable

• Best Match: Snake, Rooster, Rat

03. The Tiger 🐯

Tigers are natural leaders, full of energy and passion. They are known for their competitiveness and love for challenges.

• Years: 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

• Fixed Element: 木 (mù), wood

• Personal Traits: brave, confident

• Best Match: Horse, Dog, Pig

04. The Rabbit 🐰

Rabbits are diplomatic and prefer harmony in their relationships. They are creative thinkers and often avoid confrontation.

• Years: 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

• Fixed Element: 木 (mù), wood

• Personal Traits: gentle, kind

• Best Match: Pig, Goat, Dog

05. The Dragon 🐲

Dragons are seen as lucky and are often confident and energetic. They are natural leaders and inspire those around them.

• Years: 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

• Fixed Element: 土 (tǔ), earth

• Personal Traits: charismatic, ambitious

• Best Match: Rat, Monkey, Rooster

06. The Snake 🐍

Snakes are deep thinkers who value knowledge and insight. They can be mysterious and often have a strong sense of intuition.

• Years: 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

• Fixed Element: 火 (huǒ), fire

• Personal Traits: wise, intuitive

• Best Match: Ox, Rooster, Monkey

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.NOTE.

07. The Horse 🐎

Horses love adventure and independence. They are social and often inspire those around them with their zest for life.

• Years: 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

• Fixed Element: 火 (huǒ), fire

• Personal Traits: energetic, free-spirited

• Best Match: ‍Dog, Tiger, Goat

08. The Goat 🐑

Goats are sensitive and caring, often valuing peace and harmony. They are creative and enjoy expressing themselves.

• Years: 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

• Fixed Element: 土 (tǔ), earth

• Personal Traits: gentle, artistic

• Best Match: Rabbit, Pig, Horse

09. The Monkey 🐒

Monkeys are clever and adaptable, often thriving in social situations. They have a fun-loving nature and enjoy learning new things.

• Years: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

• Fixed Element: 金 (jīn), metal

• Personal Traits: playful, curious

• ‍Best Match: Dragon, Rat, Snake

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10. The Rooster 🐔

Roosters are known for their attention to detail and punctuality. They are often vocal and assertive, taking pride in their accomplishments.

• Years: 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

• Fixed Element: 金 (jīn), metal

• Personal Traits: hardworking, confident

• Best Match: Ox, Snake, Dragon

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11. The Dog 🐶

Dogs have a strong sense of justice and are deeply committed to their loved ones. They are trustworthy friends and dedicated partners.

• Years: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

• Fixed Element: 土 (tǔ), earth

• Personal Traits: loyal, honest

• Best Match: Tiger, Horse, Rabbit

12. The Pig 🐷

Pigs are known for their good-natured personality and love of life. They are tolerant and often enjoy the pleasures of the world around them.

• Years: 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

• Fixed Element: 水 (shuǐ), water

• Personal Traits: generous, compassionate

• Best Match: Rabbit, Goat, Tiger

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