12 Chinese Zodiac Signs And Horoscopes Explained
Chinese zodiac signs are also referred to as Shengxio and it uses a Chinese Lunar calendar to assign animal signs for every year. There are 12 animals and every one is identified with one of the five elements Water, Earth, Wood, Fire, and Metal.
In China and many other Asian countries, people believe the year you're born can shape your personality and luck. This is because each year is linked to a specific animal in Chinese astrology. It's not just a fun superstition. Many people take it seriously, using it to predict the future or choose good dates for important events.
Now, let's explore these animal signs, which are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and have spread to many neighboring countries too.
1. Rat (Shǔ)
- Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
- Characters: shǔ
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Trine: 1st
- Fixed Element: Water
- Lucky Flowers: Lily
- Lucky Colors: Gold, Blue, Green
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 3
- Key Traits: Intelligent, Creative, Versatile, and Charming
In the traditional order, the Chinese zodiac starts with a Rat sign. Being the first astrological symbol, they possess a natural charm and quick-wittedness that can direct them to exciting adventures and opportunities.
They are socially active and popular in the friends group. They can understand human nature, and even their friends seek their opinions and advice as they are an enthusiastic leader who inspires others. They are hard-working people who never lack ideas, but sometimes they lack the spirit to show their concepts to the outside world.
Compatibility
Rat is more compatible with Dragon, Monkeys, and Ox. For love life, these signs should avoid dating Rabbits, Horses, Sheep, and Rooster.
2. Ox (Niú)
- Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
- Characters:niú
- Yin/Yang: Yin
- Trine: 2nd
- Fixed Element: Earth
- Lucky Flowers: Tulip, Peach Blossom, and Morning Glory
- Lucky Colors: Green, White, Yellow
- Lucky Numbers: 1, 4
- Key Traits: Diligent, Energetic, Honest, and Determined
Oxen are hardworking and steady individuals. In Chinese civilization, the Ox is a loyal friend that made significant contributions to the growth of society. They boost confidence in others and cherish honest hard work over taking shortcuts.
The people born in the year of Ox have a strong and stable character with great staging power and endure mandate. Since this sign symbolizes strength and stability, they can cope with stress and difficulties and gain constant success in their careers and lives.
Compatibility
Ox is consistent with snakes, roosters, and rats. Meanwhile, they should keep their distance from dogs, sheep, rabbits, dragons, and horses.
3. Tiger (Hǔ)
- Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
- Characters: Hǔ
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Trine: 3rd
- Fixed Element: Wood
- Lucky Flowers: Cineraria
- Lucky Colors: Gray, White, Blue, Orange
- Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4
- Key Traits: Courageous, Confident, and Adventurous.
Tigers are characterized by energy and passion; this makes them unique and identifiable from other animals. They are sociable and thus it can be presupposed that they are naturals when it comes to leadership and can easily use charisma and look charming. They also are charitable people and perform these activities to help other people. But at the same time, they are rebellious, romantic, and anxious in their defense of their closest and dear ones.
They are often ready to carry out activities that are considered dangerous for others to perform. Tigers have justice in their bones and are always ready to make a stand for whatever it is they stand for, though they often act before considering things over, their motives are honorable.
Compatibility
If you were born in the year of the Tiger, you are most compatible with the Dragon, Horse, or the Pig. You have born qualities where people tend to be pulled towards you.
You appreciate liberty and freedom and may get restless or search continually for new journeys or escapades. The high score in justice is an indication of responsibility, protection, and most importantly, loyalty in the friendships that you foster. But it would not mate with Snake, Monkey, or Ox- the top three ranking stars of the Chinese Zodiac.
4. Rabbit (Tù)
- Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
- Characters: tù
- Yin/Yang: Yin
- Trine: 4th
- Fixed Element: Wood
- Lucky Flowers: Jasmine
- Lucky Colors: Red, Purple, Pink, Blue
- Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 6
- Key Traits: Gentle, Kind, Elegant, Artistic, Patient, Diplomatic
The fourth in the 12 zodiac animals, Rabbits are said to bring people longevity, stability, and wealth. These signs are generally polite, friendly, and unaggressive, which is probably why they do not start fights and arguments.
They enjoy paying attention to detail and most often pick the easy road. If you are born in rabbit year, literature, design, art public relations, counseling, and law are suitable careers.
Compatibility
Rabbit's ideal partner is loving and kind-hearted and always fulfills their companion's desires. This sign attracts Sheep, Monkey, Pig, and Dog at first glance. On the other hand, they are not a suitable match for Snake and Rooster.
5. Dragon (Lóng)
- Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
- Characters: lóng
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Trine: 1st
- Fixed Element: Earth
- Lucky Flowers: Dragon flowers, bower
- Lucky Colors: Gold and Silver
- Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7
- Key Traits: Energetic, Confident, Charismatic, and Innovative
Dragons are considered powerful and are associated with good fortune. These signs are good at creating a good impression and sharing their interest in the world around them, as they love to be the center of attention.
Even in a tough situation, they can judge reasonably and foot in at the right point to settle things. They enjoy handling responsibility, and they cannot tolerate being trapped or being at the mercy of others. As a result, management, law, acting, and arts are suitable career choices for them.
Compatibility
In love life, they look for someone who will give them space and at the same time satisfy their romantic nature.
So, dragon-compatible signs are Monkey, Rooster, and Rat. However, they can experience incompatible relationships with Ox, Dog, Dragon, Rabbit, and Sheep.
6. Snake (Shé)
- Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
- Characters: shé
- Yin/Yang: Yin
- Trine: 2nd
- Fixed Element: Fire
- Lucky Flowers: Orchid and Cactus
- Lucky Colors: Red, Yellow
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9
- Key Traits: Wise, Intuitive, Reserved, and Imaginative
Among the 12 zodiac animals, the Snake is the most mysterious sign that symbolizes wisdom. These sign individuals are often seen as graceful and intricate. They are usually enduring in nature and can keep going in hard times.
They have the alertness of a snake and often display unnatural perceptions. They remain private and act on their own judgments while committed to achieving their goals. However, they hate failure. Public relations, archaeology, philosophy, law, and catering are the appropriate career options for the people born in Snake Year.
Compatibility
Companionship, moral support, and love are crucial to a Snake in intimate relationships. So, their partners must like cozy surroundings. Dragon and Rooster has high compatibility with Snake. Also, they can cooperate well with Ox people.
Meanwhile, they should avoid Tigers, Sheep, Pigs, and Rabbits as they find it hard to understand each other.
7. Horse (Mǎ)
- Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
- Characters: mǎ
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Trine: 3rd
- Fixed Element: Fire
- Lucky Flowers: Jasmine and Calla Lily
- Lucky Colors: Green and Yellow
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7
- Key Traits: Energetic, Independent, Outgoing, Ambitious, and Intelligent
The seventh animal in the 12-year cycle, Horses are known for their drive and love for adventure. They are free spirits who need space to be themselves. They are honest & loyal and often dedicated to their work, family, or home.
They tend to go forward with tremendous inner confidence, even when facing crises. Their steadiness and energy allow them to hold up with any action and venture on exciting journeys. They will be good politicians, artists, and explorers in their career line.
Compatibility
With their cheerful manners and determined sense of adventure, Horses make ideal partners for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. They are often very passionate about their tasks and need a partner who understands their need for love and freedom.
As a result, they have a high chance to match with Sheep, Tiger, and Rabbit. On the other hand, Rat and Oxen are least compatible with Horses, having opposite personalities and communication problems.
8. Goat (Yáng)
- Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
- Characters: yáng
- Yin/Yang: Yin
- Trine: 4th
- Fixed Element: Earth
- Lucky Flowers: Carnations and Primroses
- Lucky Colors: Brown, Red, and Purple
- Lucky Numbers: 2,7
- Key Traits: Gentle, Easygoing, Compassionate, Creative, and Artistic
Goats, Sheep, or Ram value beauty and harmony. They are considered patients and likely careful in all aspects of their lives. Although they think about other feelings before they act, they don't always feel confident about themselves. Their steadfastness makes them very reliable.
According to China Highlights, Chinese people believe Goats are born to be followers rather than leaders. People born in a year of the Goat usually choose careers in the arts, outdoor work, research, libraries, or design.
Compatibility
Extremely loyal, those born in the Year of the Sheep or Goat try to make every relationship work out. In partnership, they tend towards a mate who will protect them and give them room for creativity. They are the best match with Rabbit, Pig, and Horse while worst with Tiger, Ox, and Dog.
9. Monkey (Hóu)
- Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
- Characters: hóu
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Trine: 1st
- Fixed Element: Metal
- Lucky Flowers: Crape, Myrtle, Chrysanthemum
- Lucky Colors: White, Gold, Blue
- Lucky Numbers: 4, 9
- Key Traits: Intelligent, Entertaining, Friendly, Playful, Unpredictable
Among the 12 zodiac animals, Monkeys are the active signs. People born in these years are known for their cleverness and adaptability. They have an inner spirit of lightning energy and a mental gift of learning quickly. As a result, they always have new ideas and like to learn new things.
These signs are frequently ready to tease or play pranks. Being ambitious and adaptable, they are good at design, media management, and public relations.
Compatibility
Their fast-moving energy makes it hard to settle with one person, but Dragon and Rats are the most compatible signs for Monkey as they share curiousness and excitement in their life. As a metal element, Monkey cannot cooperate with wood elements Tiger and Pig.
10. Rooster (Jī)
- Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
- Characters: jī
- Yin/Yang: Yin
- Trine: 2nd
- Fixed Element: Metal
- Lucky Flowers: Cockscomb, Gladiola
- Lucky Colors: Yellow, Brown, Gold
- Lucky Numbers: 5,7,8
- Key Traits: Honest, Confident, Adventurous, Funny, Loyal
The most ambitious sign and the only poultry in the Chinese Zodiac, Roosters symbolizes trustworthiness and punctuality in China. They are detail-oriented and possess a strong sense of duty.
Often having very powerful imaginations, if they want something, you can bet they will get it. They are very creative and enjoy singing and music. Being good talkers, they can influence others. So, in their career line, they can be proficient in politics, arts, and scientific endeavors.
Compatibility
In relationships, they frequently desire companionship or friendship. Roosters will share a lovely bond with Snake and Ox due to their complementary natures.
But when there is conflict, roosters will never compromise first, so it would be hard for them to form a successful relationship with Rabbits.
11.Dog (Gǒu)
- Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
- Characters: gǒu
- Yin/Yang: Yang
- Trine: 3rd
- Fixed Element: Earth
- Lucky Flowers: Rose
- Lucky Colors: Purple, Green, Red
- Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9
- Key Traits: Loyal, Trustworthy, Protective, Sincere, Timid
Dog is the honest, friendly, and sincere sign of the Chinese zodiac, as known for their strong sense of justice and loyalty. They are dedicated to the welfare of others and are often good listeners who provide fair judgment in any case.
These signs keep them far from stress and tension while helping others who are dealing with anxiety management. The careers that they approach include teaching, counseling, social work, medicine, research, and law.
Compatibility
They can be very faithful to their partners and others around them. So, in relationships, they are the most reliable and loyal sign who seek to settle with someone who supports them. Rabbit, Horse, and Tiger are the best match for Dogs, while Rooster, Goat, and Dragon are the least compatible sign for them.
12. Pig (Zhū)
- Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
- Characters: zhū
- Yin/Yang: Yin
- Trine: 4th
- Fixed Element: Water
- Lucky Flowers: Daisy and Hydrangea
- Lucky Colors: Gray, Yellow, Gold and Brown
- Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8
- Key Traits: Compassionate, Generous, Caring, Outgoing, Materialistic
The 12th Chinese astrological sign, Pigs, represents blessings and good luck. They enjoy life's pleasures and are often sociable. Their honesty and warm natures are what they like by the people, as they aim to find the best in them. If they set their mind to achieve something, they will attain it.
They enjoy simple and earthy delights. Although they are not focused on accumulating wealth and accepting the existing richness of life, they are often imbued with the energy of wealth and don't demand more. They rarely criticize others and are not revengeful, which leads to them having few enemies.
Compatibility
In relationships, they give love, affection, and trust and think they will receive the same. Rabbit, Tiger, and Goat are the most compatible zodiac signs, as they know how to please one another. Meanwhile, they are least harmonious with Snake and Monkey.