Chinese astrological signs
Composed of 12 animals, the Chinese zodiac forms a cycle that repeats every 12 years in accordance with the lunar calendar. Each year is then represented by an animal and its characteristics.
Very integrated into Chinese society, Chinese astrological signs play a large part in the accounting of a marriage, the choice of a career, the best time to have a child… to the point that some years, there are fewer births than others depending on whether the animal is considered more beneficial or less.
To simplify, each year represents an animal as shown in the table below.
On the other hand, people born in January and February should be wary because they may be the sign of the previous year.
| Animal | Chinese name | Years |
| Rat | Shǔ – 鼠 | 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912… |
| Beef | Niú – 牛 | 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913… |
| Tiger | Hǔ – 虎 | 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914… |
| Rabbit | Tù – 兔 | 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915… |
| Dragon | Lóng- 龙 | 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916… |
| Snake | Shé – 蛇 | 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917… |
| Horse | Mǎ – 马 | 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918… |
| Goat | Yáng- 羊 | 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919… |
| Monkey | Hóu – 猴 | 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920… |
| Rooster | Jī – 鸡 | 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921… |
| Dog | Gǒu – 狗 | 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922… |
| Pig | Zhū – 猪 | 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923… |
Contrary to popular belief, the year of your sign is not a year of luck, but of misfortune. The best way to avoid bad luck during the year of your sign is to wear something red given to you by a family elder: socks, panties, a neck cord, a bracelet… In some parts of China, married men must even be accompanied by their wives whenever they go out at night, and this applies year-round.
Rat : Shǔ– 鼠
People born in the Year of the Rat know how to save money, never have financial problems, and lead organized lives. They are sensitive individuals who spot problems from afar. When they take risks, their attempts are usually successful.
Rats are very compatible with Oxen, get along well with Monkeys and Dragons, are incompatible with Horses.
Beef : Niú– 牛
People born in the Year of the Ox are hardworking and have a strong sense of responsibility. They are very romantic and patient. They are generally calm and keep their emotions to themselves…but be careful if they explode!
Oxen are very compatible with Rats, get along well with Snakes and Roosters, are incompatible with Goats.
Tiger : Hǔ– 虎
People born in the Year of the Tiger are independent and have high self-esteem. They enjoy leading and protecting ordinary people. They value justice and never back down in an argument. Tigers rarely fail; they always find a way to land on their feet.
Tigers are very compatible with Pigs, get along well with Horses and Dogs, are incompatible with Monkeys.
Rabbit : Tù– 兔
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, calm, and polite. They are patient, intelligent, and chic. Their sense of responsibility and attention to detail can earn them good professional success. They don’t fall in love easily, but when they do, it’s for the rest of their lives.
Rabbits are very compatible with dogs, get along well with pigs and goats, are incompatible with roosters.
Dragon : Lóng – 龙
People born in the Year of the Dragon have hearts filled with romance and adventure. Dragons’ personalities are difficult to pin down. They appear lazy, but once they get going, they are more ambitious and energetic than anyone else.
Dragons are very compatible with Roosters, get along well with Monkeys and Rats, are incompatible with Dogs.
Snake : Shé – 蛇
People born in the Year of the Snake are idealists. At first glance, they seem cold, but deep down, they are warm and enthusiastic. They enjoy being able to understand others. Snakes are dedicated and determined, but can sometimes be very lazy.
Snakes are very compatible with Monkeys, get along well with Roosters and Oxen, are incompatible with Pigs.
Horse : Mǎ – 马
People born in the Year of the Horse don’t give up. They are always positive and energetic. They love freedom and doing what they love. But they don’t know how to keep secrets and quickly lose interest.
Horses are very compatible with Goats, get along well with Tigers and Dogs, are incompatible with Rats.
Goat : Yáng – 羊
People born in the Year of the Goat have pure and kind hearts. They prefer to suffer in silence and keep their opinions to themselves rather than argue with others. Although kind, they are very adept at using gentle and polite methods to persuade others to agree with them.
Goats are very compatible with horses, get along well with pigs and rabbits, are incompatible with oxen.
Monkey : Hóu – 猴
People born in the Year of the Monkey do things according to their interests. They will be careless about things that don’t interest them. They live a life full of energy and curiosity about the world. They hold family in high regard but may tend to spoil their children too much.
Monkeys are very compatible with Snakes, get along well with Rats and Dragons, are incompatible with Tigers.
Rooster: Jī – 鸡
People born in the Year of the Rooster are very good at sensing what others are thinking and their emotions. They make very good friends, although some are deceptive. Roosters are creative and talented in the arts, but few make a career out of it. They are far-sighted and plan everything.
Roosters are very compatible with Dragons, get along well with Snakes and Oxen, are incompatible with Rabbits.
Dog : Gǒu – 狗
People born in the Year of the Dog are cautious and hold justice in high regard. Because of their loyalty, Dogs are highly regarded in the workplace. They rarely break the rules, except for those they care about. They just want to live a peaceful life with their family.
Dogs are very compatible with Rabbits, get along well with Tigers and Horses, and are incompatible with Dragons.
Pig : Zhū 猪
People born in the Year of the Pig are logical and can solve any problem. They don’t communicate well with others, but they are kind and considerate of their family. However, they can easily lose their temper.
Pigs are very compatible with Tigers, get along well with Rabbits and Goats, are incompatible with Snakes.