Which Chinese Zodiac Sign Are You?

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Round Chinese zodiac signs. Circle stamps with animal of year, china New Year mascot symbols. 12 months astrology goat, horse and rooster red stamp.
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Chinese Zodiac Signs: Your Personality, Compatibility, and More

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The Chinese zodiac is a centuries-old system of astrology that uses 12 animals to represent each year in a cycle. Each animal has its own unique personality traits, which are believed to influence the lives of people born in that year. If you’re curious about your Chinese zodiac sign and what it means for your personality, love, career, and more, you’re in the right place! 

We take a comprehensive look at all 12 Chinese zodiac signs, their associated traits, and your general compatibility. Whether you’re a Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig, you’re sure to learn something new about yourself in this post. So please keep reading to discover your Chinese zodiac sign and all it offers!

Chinese zodiac wheel with twelve animals and hieroglyphs isolated on white background. Vector illustration. Đťin yang duality symbol. China characters letters with translation.
The Chinese Zodiac Wheel
Image Courtesy of: kotoffei

Below are the 12 animal designations of the Chinese zodiac. (Please note: If you were born before the Chinese New Year began for the year listed, then you were born under the previous Chinese zodiac sign. For example, the Chinese New Year began on January 28 in 2017; from that date onward, the sign is the Rooster. For those born between January 1 and January 27, 2017, the sign is the Monkey.):

Rat (Zi)

The rat represents intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Those born under this sign are considered clever, generous, ambitious, and charismatic. Rats are known for their problem-solving abilities and shrewdness in business, making them natural leaders. They are social and charming, often attracting a wide circle of friends. Rats are believed to possess immense determination and drive, ensuring success in various aspects of life.

Compatible with the dragon and the monkey. Your opposite is the horse.

Born in: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Ox or Buffalo (Chou)

The ox symbolizes diligence, strength, and dependability. Those born under this sign are considered hardworking, patient, and organized. Ox are renowned for their determination and ability to endure challenges. They are often associated with honesty and reliability, making them trustworthy friends and partners. Their steadfast nature signifies stability and resilience, ensuring their success in various endeavors.

Compatible with the snake and the rooster. Your opposite is the sheep.

Born in: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Tiger (Yin)

The Tiger embodies courage, passion, and unpredictability. Individuals born in the Year of the Tiger are known for their fearless nature and strong leadership qualities. Tigers are charismatic and daring, often embracing challenges with enthusiasm. They possess a magnetic personality, drawing others towards their adventurous spirit. Despite their impulsive tendencies, Tigers are fiercely determined, making them formidable achievers and inspiring figures in both personal and professional realms. Forthright and sensitive, you possess great courage. You can be a strong leader capable of great sympathy. 

Compatible with the horse and the dog. Your opposite is the monkey.

Born in: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Rabbit or Hare (Mao)

The Rabbit symbolizes grace, compassion, and tranquility. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, empathetic, and peace-loving. Rabbits are known for their artistic talents, intuition, and diplomatic skills. They navigate social situations with ease, promoting harmony and understanding. Individuals under this sign are often sensitive and intuitive, making them excellent listeners and reliable friends.

Compatible with the sheep and the pig. Your opposite is the rooster.

Born in: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Dragon (Chen)

The Dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are charismatic, ambitious, and lively. Dragons are natural leaders, often displaying unwavering confidence and determination. They are innovative thinkers, unafraid to pursue grand ambitions, and are known for their resilience. Robust and passionate, the life of a Dragon is filled with complexity. 

Compatible with the monkey and the rat. Your opposite is the dog.

Born in: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Snake (Si)

The Snake represents wisdom, intuition, and charm. Individuals born in the Year of the Snake are often perceived as mysterious and insightful. Snakes are strategic thinkers who can navigate complex situations with finesse. They are elegant, graceful, and wise, often relying on their intuition to make decisions.

Compatible with the rooster and the ox. Your opposite is the pig.

Born in: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Horse (Wu)

The Horse signifies freedom, energy, and a love for adventure. Individuals born in the Year of the Horse are known for their dynamic and enthusiastic nature. Horses are hardworking, loyal, and adaptable, embracing change optimistically. They possess a strong sense of independence and are natural leaders with a knack for inspiring others.

Compatible with the tiger and the dog. Your opposite is the rat.

Born in: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Sheep or Goat (Wei)

The Sheep, also known as the Goat or Ram, symbolizes peace, kindness, and creativity. People born in the Year of the Sheep are gentle, compassionate, and artistic souls. They are known for their warm-hearted nature and intense empathy, often putting others’ needs before theirs. Sheep individuals appreciate beauty and harmony, thriving in creative pursuits. 

Compatible with the pig and the rabbit. Your opposite is the ox.

Born in: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Monkey (Shen)

The Monkey signifies intelligence, wit, and versatility. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are clever, resourceful, and adaptable. Monkeys are known for their playful and curious nature, often approaching challenges with a strategic mindset. They possess a natural charm and excellent communication skills, making them adept at social interactions.

Compatible with the dragon and the rat. Your opposite is the tiger.

Born in: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Rooster (You)

The Rooster symbolizes confidence, loyalty, and punctuality. People born in the Year of the Rooster are known for their strong sense of responsibility and determination. Roosters are hardworking, resourceful, and observant, often possessing sharp analytical skills. They are charismatic and confident, able to inspire and lead effectively.

Compatible with the snake and the ox. Your opposite is the rabbit.

Born in: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Dog (Xu)

The Dog embodies loyalty, honesty, and kindness. Individuals born in the Year of the Dog are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and genuine compassion. Dogs are protective and devoted, often putting the needs of others before their own. They are empathetic listeners and reliable friends. With their strong sense of justice, Dogs are natural advocates for fairness and equality, making them trustworthy allies in personal and professional relationships.

Compatible with the horse and the tiger. Your opposite is the dragon.

Born in: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Pig or Boar (Hai)

In the Chinese zodiac, the Pig signifies kindness, honesty, and generosity. Pigs are known for their gentle and compassionate nature. Pigs are hardworking and diligent, often achieving their goals through determination and sincerity. They are generous and nurturing, valuing family and friendship deeply. Pigs possess a strong sense of justice and fairness, making them advocates for harmony and peace in their communities,

Compatible with the rabbit and the sheep. Your opposite is the snake.

Born in: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

If you are interested in star signs, we encourage you to visit our Zodiac Signs profiles.

What’s your Chinese zodiac sign? Let us know in the comments!

About The Author

Jennifer Keating

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She is an active equestrian and spends much of her free time at the barn. When she’s not riding, she loves caring for her collection of house plants, baking, and playing in her gardens. Read More from Jennifer Keating

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