The Chinese zodiac (also referred to as Sheng Xiao) includes 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, which represent a 12-year cycle. The year 2023 is the year of the Rabbit. The Chinese astrology zodiac was first identified during China’s Han dynasty and is based on the lunar calendar used in ancient China. For example, the Chinese New Year typically starts in late January or early February of the Gregorian calendar we use today.
In Chinese culture, a person’s zodiac sign is seen as influential in every aspect of life, including personality, career aspiration, financial outlook, romantic compatibility with other signs, ongoing luck, and much more. You can see how important your zodiac sign is!
Chinese zodiac signs are also associated with earthly branches as well as the five elements (earth, metal, wood, fire, water). The particular element associated with your zodiac sign will likewise depend on your lunar birth year. For example, the year 2023 is not just the year of the Rabbit, but specifically the year of the water Rabbit.
What’s Your Chinese Zodiac?
Since the lunar calendar and lunar new year are not exact matches for our calendar, just because your year of birth is associated with a certain zodiac animal sign doesn’t mean that’s your sign. Consult our Chinese horoscope zodiac calculator below and enter your birth date to find out precisely what your zodiac sign is and where it falls within the zodiac cycle.
Find your Chinese zodiac
Curious, resourceful, and quick-witted, those born under Rat are natural charmers ready for any opportunity. Your dynamic personality...
Read moreChinese Zodiac Years
Zodiac Sign | Zodiac Years |
|---|---|
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 | |
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 | |
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 | |
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 | |
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036 | |
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037 | |
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038 | |
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039 | |
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040 | |
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041 | |
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042 | |
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043 |
Your Zodiac Birth Year (Ben Ming Nian)
Since there are 12 zodiacs, your zodiac year (“Ben Ming Nian” in Chinese) comes around once every 12 years. In this year, you’re advised to take special care not to anger Tai Sui, the Guardian God of the Year. Otherwise, he may decide to visit bad luck on you for a whole year!
Chinese Zodiac Signs: Personality and Luck
Rat (2020, 2032)
Strengths: curious, diligent, adaptable, meticulous
Weaknesses: short-sighted, nervous, squirrely, impatient
Symbols: 🐭, 🐀 (default), 🐁 (Persia)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 1, 4, 6, 9
Colors: Gold, White, Blue
Directions: Southeast, Northeast
Flowers: Lily, Violet, Orchid
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 8
Colors: Red, Yellow
Directions: West, Southwest
Ox
Strengths: tenacious, dependable, honorable, resilient
Weaknesses: conservative, stubborn, inexpressive, inflexible
Symbols: 🐮, 🐂 (default), 🐄 (Persia), 🐃 (Vietnam)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 1, 4
Colors: Red, Yellow
Directions: East, Southeast
Flowers: Waterlily, Morning Glory, Tulip, Peach Blossom
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 3, 6
Colors: Green
Directions: Northwest
Tiger
Strengths: ambitious, optimistic, independent, leader
Weaknesses: unprepared, arrogant, despotic, self-centered
Symbols: 🐯, 🐅 (default), 🐆 (Persia)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 3, 8
Colors: Blue, Green
Directions: Southeast
Flowers: Plum Blossoms, Chrysanthemum, Cineraria
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 4, 9
Colors: Gold
Directions: Northeast
Rabbit
Strengths: elegant, sensitive, imaginative, sweet-natured
Weaknesses: skittish, complacent, vain, indecisive
Symbols: 🐰, 🐇 (default)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 0, 6, 2
Colors: Green, Coffee
Directions: East
Flowers: Bamboo, Cyclamen
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 5, 9
Colors: Gold, Silver
Directions: West
Dragon
Strengths: courageous, enterprising, conscientious, vigorous
Weaknesses: domineering, prideful, temperamental, irresolute
Symbols: 🐲, 🐉 (default), 🐊 (Persia), 🐌 (Kazakhstan)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 6, 8
Colors: Cyan Blue, Purple
Directions: West, Northeast
Flowers: Bamboo, Cyclamen
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 4, 9
Colors: Black, Red
Directions: East, Northwest
Snake
Strengths: cool-headed, mysterious, intuitive, thoughtful
Weaknesses: loner, suspicious, vainglorious, antisocial
Symbols: 🐍
Lucky things:
Numbers: 2, 7
Colors: Orange, Silver, Light Yellow
Directions: Southeast
Flowers: Camelia, Orchid
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 1, 6
Colors: Green, Blue
Directions: Northwest
Horse
Strengths: honest, cheerful, heroic, rebellious
Weaknesses: undisciplined, brash, conceited, ostentatious
Symbols: 🐴, 🐎
Lucky things:
Numbers: 4, 9
Colors: Red, Green
Directions: West, Southwest
Flowers: Iris, Jasmine, Calla Lily
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 5, 7
Colors: Grey, Black
Directions: North, Northeast
Goat
Strengths: empathic, creative, considerate, gentle
Weaknesses: pessimistic, territorial, impractical, needy
Symbols: 🐐, 🐏 (default), 🐑 (Persia)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 3, 4
Colors: Red, Purple
Directions: East, Southeast
Flowers: Carnation, Primrose
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 8
Colors: Gold, Black
Directions: Northeast, Northwest
Monkey
Strengths: assured, quick, social, eloquent
Weaknesses: dishonest, braggy, uncommitted, hypocritical
Symbols: 🐵, 🐒 (default),
Lucky things:
Numbers: 1, 7
Colors: Gold, Silver
Directions: North, Northwest
Flowers: Chrysanthemum
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 2, 5
Colors: Red, Gray
Directions: Northeast
Rooster
Strengths: goal-oriented, stable, industrious, forthright
Weaknesses: pompous, easily tempted, narrow-minded, touchy
Symbols: 🐔, 🐓 (default)
Lucky things:
Numbers: 5, 8
Colors: Gold, Coffee
Directions: West, Southwest
Flowers: Cockscomb, Gladiola
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 3, 9
Colors: Green, Red
Directions: Northeast
Dog
Strengths: loyal, brave, open, cheerful
Weaknesses: critical, apprehensive, uncertain, moody
Symbols: 🐶, 🐕 (default), 🐩, 🦮, 🐕🦺
Lucky things:
Numbers: 2, 7
Colors: Black, Yellow
Directions: Northwest, Southeast
Flowers: Natal Lily, Lucky Bamboo, Cymbidium Orchids
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 1, 6
Colors: Red
Directions: West, East
Pig
Strengths: sincere, easygoing, accepting, curious
Weaknesses: irresolute, gullible, mischievous, rash
Symbols: 🐷, 🐖 (default), 🐗 (Japan),
Lucky things:
Numbers: 1, 6
Colors: Gold, White
Directions: Northeast, Southwest
Flowers: Sunflower, Oak, Hydrangea
Unlucky things:
Numbers: 0, 5
Colors: Yellow, Brown
Directions: Southeast
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: Best and Worst Matches
When it comes to love, whether a couple’s zodiac signs cooperate or clash with each other is an important consideration because while relationships are hard work for everyone, two compatible signs have a solid foundation on which to build their love, but two incompatible signs may have a hard time even getting the relationship off the ground.
Best Matches for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Rat: Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Ox: Snake, Rooster, Rat
Tiger: Horse, Dog, Pig
Rabbit: Pig, Goat, Dog
Dragon: Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Snake: Rooster, Ox, Monkey
Horse: Tiger, Dog, Goat
Goat: Horse, Rabbit, Pig
Monkey: Rat, Dragon, Snake
Rooster: Dragon, Snake, Ox
Dog: Tiger, Rabbit, Horse
Pig: Rabbit, Goat, Tiger
Worst Matches for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Rat: Rabbit, Goat, Horse
Ox: Horse, Goat, Dog
Tiger: Snake, Monkey
Rabbit: Rooster, Dragon
Dragon: Dog, Rabbit
Snake: Pig, Tiger, Rat
Horse: Rat, Ox, Rabbit
Goat: Rat, Ox, Dog
Monkey: Tiger, Pig
Rooster: Rabbit, Dog
Dog: Ox, Dragon, Goat, Rooster
Pig: Snake, Monkey
Origins of the Chinese Zodiac
Have you wondered why the zodiac signs are represented by these 12 animals? While the origin of the Chinese zodiac probably had something to do with animal worship in ancient history, the Chinese have since developed a legendary story that introduces the zodiac animals to children and explains their prominence as part of the culture.
Legend has it that at the beginning of time, the Jade Emperor, who rules over the heavens, decided to select 12 animals as an easy way for the people to track the passing of time. Each animal would have the honor of representing and being worshiped for an entire year. But out of all the animals in the world, which 12 animals should be included?
In order to be fair, the Jade Emperor announced a race across the celestial river. When they heard the news, the Rat and the Cat—who were best friends—said they’d wake up early and participate in the race together. The Cat asked the Rat to wake it up in the morning, however, because it had the habit of sleeping in.
On the day of the race, the Rat left without waking up the Cat—you snooze, you lose, right? The Rat asked the Ox to cross the river on its back in exchange for keeping a lookout on the other competitors but leaped to the finish line ahead of the Ox. The Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig came after, each securing a spot on this coveted list of zodiac signs.
By the time the Cat woke up, the sun was going down, and the race was long over. The Cat cursed the Rat for betraying their friendship, but it had to accept that it would never be a Chinese zodiac animal. The Cat vowed that it and its descendants would chase the Rat for all eternity as revenge, and to this day, these two animals have remained arch nemesis and will continue to be until the end of time!
Significance in Chinese Culture
The 12 zodiac signs are a big part of Chinese culture. There are many traditions and customs associated with them, including feng shui. Chinese, both young and old, can rattle off the list of the zodiacs and have a good understanding of the influence their own zodiac sign has on their life, including their choices of work, romantic partner, lifestyle, and more.
It is both an enshrined and a dynamic system with many moving parts for consideration. For example, a person’s zodiac sign is fixed based on their date of birth and will be more romantically compatible with a few other signs but clash with a handful of others. This will remain unchanging for the rest of their lives.
On the other hand, a person’s luck shifts each year, depending on the zodiac that governs that year. They might be blessed romantically to meet a soulmate in a given year, face career difficulties, and have better luck carrying out certain endeavors that year, while other activities may bring ill fortune. In that respect, the zodiacs are like Western astrology and are constantly moving forward with time.
Chinese Zodiac in Other Cultures
Chinese culture was significant in ancient history, and influenced many other Asian cultures, including Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Persia (modern day Iran), and Kazakhstan. These cultures borrowed the zodiac animals and made them their own with the local flavor. Here is a list of the zodiac signs in other countries.
Japanese zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Wild Boar.
Vietnamese zodiac signs: Rat, Water Buffalo, Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Malay zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Mousedeer, Big Snake, Second Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Tortoise.
Thai zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Naga (a mythical half-human, half-serpent being), Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Persian zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Whale, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Kazakh zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Leopard, Rabbit, Snail, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Differences in Chinese vs. Western Astrology
Chinese zodiacs and Western astrology are both systems for forecasting based on birthdays. Both include signs that represent a person’s personality, inclinations, and luck, although they’re also very different. For starters, Western astrology uses constellations to represent the signs, while China, of course, uses the 12 animals.
In addition, astrology signs (or sun signs) recur each year, while the zodiacs rotate every 12 years. This means in the West, people who are born in September—even if 50 years apart—are believed to be more similar, while in China, everyone born in the same year is believed to share similar personality traits.
Western astrological signs are also known as sun signs because they’re based on observations of Earth’s orbit around the sun. The zodiacs are based on the lunar calendar, which was based on observations of the phases of the moon in ancient China. Nonetheless, both are interesting systems to consult and glean more information about yourself, the world, and everyone else who shares it with you!