The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs
Click any animal for its full personality profile, birth years and compatibility.
- π Rat ιΌ β quick-witted, resourceful, adaptable
- π Ox η β dependable, patient, methodical
- π Tiger θ β brave, confident, competitive
- π Rabbit ε β gentle, tactful, observant
- π Dragon ιΎ β ambitious, energetic, charismatic
- π Snake θ β wise, private, elegant
- π Horse 马 β free-spirited, energetic, sociable
- π Goat ηΎ β gentle, creative, empathetic
- π Monkey η΄ β clever, playful, curious
- π Rooster ιΈ‘ β observant, hardworking, direct
- π Dog η β loyal, honest, protective
- π Pig ηͺ β generous, easy-going, diligent
The order of the animals
The 12 signs always run in the same sequence β Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig β and repeat every 12 years. The order is explained by the folk tale of the Great Race, in which the Jade Emperor named the calendar years after the first twelve animals to cross a river. The quick-witted Rat rode across on the Ox's back and jumped off at the finish to come first, which is why the Rat leads and the dependable Ox is second.
What decides your sign
Your animal is set by the lunar year you were born in, which begins on Chinese New Year (late January or February) β not 1 January. Each year also carries one of five elements and a fixed Yin or Yang polarity, giving a fuller description such as "Yang Metal Rat". Use the calculator for your exact combination, or the full year chart to look up any year from 1924 to 2044.
How the signs are used
Traditionally the zodiac is used to judge compatibility between people, to pick auspicious dates, and to flag your bΔnmΓ¬ngniΓ‘n β the year your own animal comes round again, considered a year to take extra care. It is a cultural tradition offered here for interest, not prediction.