In Western cultures, zodiac predictions - horoscopes, are often a source of mockery and laughter. Asian cultures take zodiac matters far more seriously. Use our Chinese zodiac calculator to find your animal, and then, discover its temperament, powers and benefits.
Chinese Zodiac Meanings
As the legend tells, 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 zodiac's first animal.
The other animals arrived, singly or by twos and threes. The horse thundered into the Emperor's sights, with Snake wrapped around its leg. The sight of Snake frightened Horse, causing him to fall behind. So, the zodiac reflects Snake arriving ahead of 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.
As you read through each animal's description, you'll find echoes of this origin story. Often, they will clash with Western perceptions of these animal traits. For instance, we don't think highly of rats, but the Chinese zodiac finds them clever and resourceful.
The zodiac is one aspect that makes Chinese New Year special. Far from being something to chuckle over, many cultures take zodiac meanings very seriously. People will go so far as to consult with fortune-tellers for guidance on how to navigate their zodiac animals' bad years.
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. Rats tend to be optimistic and outgoing, and they're often considerate of others.
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.
Self-centredness is one of Rat's most dominant negative traits. Rats can also be stubborn and picky, and may be a bit shy. At their worst, Rats may lack persistence, leaving hard tasks undone.
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 on these traits and wish to be a different animal.
Keep in mind that all Chinese zodiac meanings have up- 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. It would be hard to find a dishonest Tiger, or one that's not steadfast.
Still, Tigers are bossy and often act rashly. They can also be short-tempered, and are typically arrogant.
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 gentle and considerate, friendly and compassionate.
On the downside, Rabbits find it hard to make decisions, and they're very timid. Rabbits can also be stubborn, especially when it comes to virtue.
Rabbit Compatibility
Anything nurturing: teacher, 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
Dragon's Chinese zodiac personality is confident and ambitious, energetic and intelligent. Dragons are generous and honest in all their dealings.
However, they can also be conceited and unrealistic, demanding and unstable. Dragons also suffer from a lack of persistence, and they can be intolerant, at times.
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
Snake is the Chinese New Year animal 2025. To greet people properly into the Year of the Snake, you can say 'Happy Snake Year!' (shé'nian'hǎo - 蛇年好). Beware, though, that that phrase is not suitable for everyone. You must learn the right Chinese New Year greetings for every situation.
The Snake Personality
Snakes are graceful, wise, and good at speaking. Snakes are also perceptive and funny, and are quite sociable.
Snakes can be very determined, and more than a touch jealous. They 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 and warm-hearted. They have an independent spirit and tend to be easygoing. 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. Vanity and extravagance are among them. Horses 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 Sheep - (羊 yáng)
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) prevails but, in Vietnam, Goat is the eighth animal.
The Sheep Personality
Ewes are soft-hearted and considerate, reliable and thrifty. People can depend on the gentle Ewe.
But, not too much, as Rams tend to be indecisive and weak-willed. They are moody and often pessimistic, and too timid to stand up for themselves.
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 a Ewe baby.
Full disclosure: I was living in China at the time. The media reported on that phenomenon throughout the year. One of Chinese New Year's most fascinating aspects is how people will plan their lives, families, and careers around the Chinese zodiac.
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.
Those very traits make Monkeys arrogant and jealous, though. 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 careers. 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 power to grab wealth. Tradition dictates that the head of 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. Brave Dogs are also clever and responsible.
But, they are emotional and stubborn. Zodiac Dogs can be impatient, and conservative in their 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. Pigs are generous to a fault, and often too honest for their own good. You can count on Pig friends to deliver daily doses of optimism.
We think of pigs as lazy and shiftless; the Chinese zodiac sees Pig as slow-witted and sleepy. 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 doctor or 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 Chinese zodiac am I?", 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.
Speaking of eating... To sample all the delicious foods of a traditional Lunar New Year feast, discover these recipes for New Year foods.
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