Have you ever wondered what your Chinese zodiac sign says about you? In Chinese culture, the 12 zodiac animals, or 生肖 (shēngxiào), are more than just a fun way to mark the years—they’re a window into your personality, destiny, and even how you connect with others!
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating world of the Chinese zodiac. You’ll learn:
- The 12 animals of the zodiac and how to say them in Mandarin.
- The unique traits and meanings behind each sign.
- How zodiac compatibility plays a role in relationships and friendships.
Whether you’re curious about your own sign, want to impress your friends with your Mandarin skills, or are simply fascinated by Chinese culture, this guide has you covered.
Video Transcript
When someone asks this common question in Mandarin, "What is your Chinese zodiac sign?", don’t assume it’s just small talk. Your answer can reveal not only your birth year but also insights into your personality!
For example:
- “我属狗.” wǒ shǔ gǒ. (My zodiac sign is Dog)
- If you were born in 1970, 1982, 1994, or 2006, your zodiac sign is Dog.
- Personality Traits: Loyal, honest, and fair-minded.
In Chinese culture, the Zodiac (生肖, shēngxiào) is not just a fun tradition but a way to understand personality traits and compatibility. Let’s explore the 12 zodiac animals, their meanings, and how they relate to you.
Summary of Chinese Zodiac Birth Years
| Shǔ | 鼠 | Rat | 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 |
| Niú | 牛 | Ox | 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 |
| Hǔ | 虎 | Tiger | 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 |
| Tù | 兔 | Rabbit | 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 |
| Lóng | 龙 | Dragon | 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 |
| Shé | 蛇 | Snake | 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 |
| Mǎ | 马 | Horse | 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 |
| Yáng | 羊 | Goat (or Sheep) | 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 |
| Hóu | 猴 | Monkey | 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 |
| Jī | 鸡 | Rooster (or Chicken) | 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 |
| Gǒu | 狗 | Dog | 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 |
| Zhū | 猪 | Pig | 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 |
Introduction to the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese Zodiac (生肖, shēngxiào) is a fascinating tradition that reflects ancient Chinese wisdom and culture. It is a repeating 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a specific animal. These animals are thought to influence personality traits, compatibility, and even fortune. Curious to discover the meaning of your zodiac sign? Let’s explore the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac together!
The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
中国的生肖是一个每12年循环一次的系统，每年都由不同的动物来代表。我们一起来看看这12个生肖吧！
Zhōngguó de shēngxiào shì yí gè měi 12 nián xúnhuán yí cì de xìtǒng, měinián dōu yóu bùtóng de dòngwù lái dàibiǎo. Wǒmen yìqǐ lái kànkan zhè 12 gè shēngxiào ba!
The Chinese Zodiac is a 12-year cycle system, with each year represented by a different animal. Let’s take a look at these 12 zodiac animals!
鼠 (shǔ) — Rat
“鼠象征着聪明、机智和足智多谋。如果你出生于1996年或2008年，那你的生肖就是鼠！”
Shǔ xiàngzhēng zhe cōngmíng, jīzhì hé zú zhì duō móu. Rúguǒ nǐ chūshēng yú yījiǔjiǔliù nián huò èrlínglíngbā nián, nà nǐ de shēngxiào jiù shì shǔ!
The Rat symbolizes intelligence, wit, and resourcefulness. If you were born in 1996 or 2008, your zodiac sign is the Rat!
牛 (niú) — Ox
“牛象征着勤劳、可靠和耐心。属牛的人以坚持不懈著称。”
Niú xiàngzhēng zhe qínláo, kěkào hé nàixīn. Shǔ niú de rén yǐ jiānchí bùxiè zhùchēng.
The Ox represents diligence, reliability, and patience. Those born under this sign are known for their perseverance.
虎 (hǔ) — Tiger
“虎象征着勇敢、自信和竞争力。如果你出生于1998年或2010年，你的个性可能像老虎一样强大！”
Hǔ xiàngzhēng zhe yǒnggǎn, zìxìn hé jìngzhēnglì. Rúguǒ nǐ chūshēng yú yījiǔjiǔbā nián huò èrlíngyīlíng nián, nǐ de gèxìng kěnéng xiàng lǎohǔ yíyàng qiángdà!
The Tiger symbolizes bravery, confidence, and competitiveness. If you were born in 1998 or 2010, your personality might be as strong as a tiger!
兔 (tù) — Rabbit
“兔子象征着温柔、善良和优雅。属兔的人通常以优雅和外交能力著称。”
Tùzi xiàngzhēng zhe wēnróu, shànliáng hé yōuyǎ. Shǔ tù de rén tōngcháng yǐ yōuyǎ hé wàijiāo nénglì zhùchēng.
The Rabbit represents gentleness, kindness, and elegance. People born under this sign are often admired for their grace and diplomatic skills.
龙 (lóng) — Dragon
“龙是中国文化中最特别的生肖之一。它象征着力量、魅力和好运。如果你的生肖是龙，你被认为是天生的领导者。”
Lóng shì Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng zuì tèbié de shēngxiào zhī yī. Tā xiàngzhēng zhe lìliàng, mèilì hé hǎoyùn. Rúguǒ nǐ de shēngxiào shì lóng, nǐ bèi rènwéi shì tiānshēng de lǐngdǎozhě.
The Dragon is one of the most unique zodiac signs in Chinese culture, symbolizing strength, charisma, and good fortune. Dragons are seen as natural leaders.
蛇 (shé) — Snake
“蛇象征着智慧、神秘和优雅。属蛇的人通常是深思熟虑的人。”
Shé xiàngzhēng zhe zhìhuì, shénmì hé yōuyǎ. Shǔ shé de rén tōngcháng shì shēnsī shúlǜ de rén.
The Snake signifies wisdom, mystery, and elegance. People with this zodiac sign are often thoughtful and contemplative.
马 (mǎ) — Horse
“马象征着能量、自由和冒险精神。如果你的生肖是马，你以热情和独立著称。”
Mǎ xiàngzhēng zhe néngliàng, zìyóu hé màoxiǎn jīngshén. Rúguǒ nǐ de shēngxiào shì mǎ, nǐ yǐ rèqíng hé dúlì zhùchēng.
The Horse symbolizes energy, freedom, and an adventurous spirit. Those born in the Year of the Horse are known for their enthusiasm and independence.
羊 (yáng) — Goat
“羊，也叫绵羊，象征着和平、善良和创造力。属羊的人温柔且富有艺术气质。”
Yáng, yě jiào miányáng, xiàngzhēng zhe hépíng, shànliáng hé chuàngzàolì. Shǔ yáng de rén wēnróu qiě fùyǒu yìshù qìzhì.
The Goat, also known as the Sheep, represents peace, kindness, and creativity. Goats are gentle and artistic.
猴 (hóu) — Monkey
“猴子象征着活泼、好奇和聪明。属猴的人通常被认为是有趣且淘气的！”
Hóuzi xiàngzhēng zhe huópō, hàoqí hé cōngmíng. Shǔ hóu de rén tōngcháng bèi rènwéi shì yǒuqù qiě táoqì de!
The Monkey symbolizes playfulness, curiosity, and intelligence. Monkeys are often seen as fun and mischievous.
鸡 (jī) — Rooster
“鸡象征着勤奋、自信和守时。如果你的生肖是鸡，你以可靠和坚定著称。”
Jī xiàngzhēng zhe qínfèn, zìxìn hé shǒushí. Rúguǒ nǐ de shēngxiào shì jī, nǐ yǐ kěkào hé jiāndìng zhùchēng.
The Rooster signifies diligence, confidence, and punctuality. Roosters are reliable and determined.
狗 (gǒu) — Dog
“狗象征着忠诚、诚实和保护欲。如果你出生在狗年，你以正直和公正著称。”
Gǒu xiàngzhēng zhe zhōngchéng, chéngshí hé bǎohù yù. Rúguǒ nǐ chūshēng zài gǒu nián, nǐ yǐ zhèngzhí hé gōngzhèng zhùchēng.
The Dog symbolizes loyalty, honesty, and protectiveness. Those born in the Year of the Dog are admired for their integrity and fairness.
猪 (zhū) — Pig
“猪象征着善良、慷慨和乐观。属猪的人通常被认为是随和且值得信赖的。”
Zhū xiàngzhēng zhe shànliáng, kāngkǎi hé lèguān. Shǔ zhū de rén tōngcháng bèi rènwéi shì suíhé qiě zhídé xìnlài de.
The Pig symbolizes kindness, generosity, and optimism. Pigs are known for being easygoing and trustworthy.
Cultural Symbolism and Personality Traits of the Chinese Zodiac
现在你已经知道了12个生肖动物的中文说法，让我们来看看每个生肖在中国文化中的象征意义吧。生肖不仅仅是你的出生年份，它还反映了性格特征，甚至会影响人际关系中的配对。
Xiànzài nǐ yǐjīng zhīdào le shí'èr gè shēngxiào dòngwù de zhōngwén shuōfǎ, ràng wǒmen lái kànkan měi gè shēngxiào zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng de xiàngzhēng yìyì ba. Shēngxiào bù jǐnjǐn shì nǐ de chūshēng niánfèn, tā hái fǎnyìng le xìnggé tèzhēng, shènzhì huì yǐngxiǎng rénjì guānxì zhōng de pèiduì.
Now that you know how to say the 12 zodiac animals in Chinese, let’s explore their cultural symbolism in China. The Chinese Zodiac is more than just your birth year—it reflects personality traits and can even influence compatibility in relationships.
The 12 Zodiac Animals and Their Cultural Symbolism
鼠 (shǔ): 聪明、适应能力强、思维敏捷。
Cōngmíng, shìyìng nénglì qiáng, sīwéi mǐnjié.
The Rat: Intelligent, adaptable, and quick-witted.
牛 (niú): 勤劳、耐心、可靠。
Qínláo, nàixīn, kěkào.
The Ox: Hardworking, patient, and reliable.
虎 (hǔ): 勇敢、自信、充满活力。
Yǒnggǎn, zìxìn, chōngmǎn huólì.
The Tiger: Brave, confident, and full of energy.
兔 (tù): 温柔、善良、优雅。
Wēnróu, shànliáng, yōuyǎ.
The Rabbit: Gentle, kind, and graceful.
龙 (lóng): 有魅力、强大、幸运。
Yǒu mèilì, qiángdà, xìngyùn.
The Dragon: Charismatic, powerful, and lucky.
蛇 (shé): 智慧、神秘、优雅。
Zhìhuì, shénmì, yōuyǎ.
The Snake: Wise, mysterious, and elegant.
马 (mǎ): 独立、热情、爱冒险。
Dúlì, rèqíng, ài màoxiǎn.
The Horse: Independent, passionate, and adventurous.
羊 (yáng): 善良、富有创造力、和平。
Shànliáng, fùyǒu chuàngzàolì, hépíng.
The Goat: Kind, creative, and peaceful.
猴 (hóu): 聪明、调皮、机智。
Cōngmíng, tiáopí, jīzhì.
The Monkey: Smart, playful, and clever.
鸡 (jī): 勤奋、自信、可靠。
Qínfèn, zìxìn, kěkào.
The Rooster: Diligent, confident, and dependable.
狗 (gǒu): 忠诚、公正、诚实。
Zhōngchéng, gōngzhèng, chéngshí.
The Dog: Loyal, fair, and honest.
猪 (zhū): 慷慨、乐观、值得信赖。
Kāngkǎi, lèguān, zhídé xìnlài.
The Pig: Generous, optimistic, and trustworthy.
Zodiac Compatibility & Fun Facts
The Chinese Zodiac is more than just a way to mark the years; it’s also a fascinating guide to understanding relationships and personalities. Each zodiac sign carries unique traits, and their interactions can reveal insights into compatibility between friends, family members, or romantic partners. Beyond relationships, the zodiac is filled with intriguing cultural traditions, quirky beliefs, and fun facts that highlight the richness of Chinese heritage. Whether you’re curious about your ideal match or want to learn some entertaining tidbits, exploring zodiac compatibility and its fascinating lore is a delightful journey into one of China’s most cherished traditions.
Do You Know Which Zodiacs Are Most Compatible with Yours?
你知道你的生肖和哪些生肖合拍？还有和哪些生肖容易起冲突吗？今天我们就来快速了解一下！
Nǐ zhīdào nǐ de shēngxiào hé nǎxiē shēngxiào hépāi? Hái yǒu hé nǎxiē shēngxiào róngyì qǐ chōngtū ma? Jīntiān wǒmen jiù lái kuàisù liǎojiě yīxià!
Do you know which zodiac signs are compatible with yours? Or which ones are more likely to have conflicts? Let’s find out quickly today!
Compatible Zodiacs
在十二生肖中，有两个重要概念——六合和三合，代表哪些生肖之间特别合拍。
Zài shí’èr shēngxiào zhōng, yǒu liǎng gè zhòngyào gàiniàn —— liùhé hé sānhé, dàibiǎo nǎxiē shēngxiào zhījiān tèbié hépāi.
In the Chinese zodiac, there are two key concepts—Liu He (Six Harmonies) and San He (Three Harmonies)—which represent particularly compatible zodiac combinations.
六合配对：最佳搭档！
Liùhé pèiduì: zuì jiā dādàng!
Six Harmonies Pairings: Best Matches!
- 鼠 (shǔ) and 牛 (niú) — Rat and Ox
- 虎 (hǔ) and 猪 (zhū) — Tiger and Pig
- 兔 (tù) and 狗 (gǒu) — Rabbit and Dog
- 龙 (lóng) and 鸡 (jī) — Dragon and Rooster
- 蛇 (shé) and 猴 (hóu) — Snake and Monkey
- 马 (mǎ) and 羊 (yáng) — Horse and Goat
三合组合：非常默契！
Sānhé zǔhé: fēicháng mòqì!
Three Harmonies Groupings: Highly Compatible!
- 鼠 (shǔ), 龙 (lóng), 猴 (hóu) — Rat, Dragon, Monkey
- 牛 (niú), 蛇 (shé), 鸡 (jī) — Ox, Snake, Rooster
- 虎 (hǔ), 马 (mǎ), 狗 (gǒu) — Tiger, Horse, Dog
- 兔 (tù), 羊 (yáng), 猪 (zhū) — Rabbit, Goat, Pig
这些生肖组合更容易成为好朋友、好伴侣、好合作伙伴！
Zhèxiē shēngxiào zǔhé gèng róngyì chéngwéi hǎo péngyou, hǎo bànlǚ, hǎo hézuò huǒbàn!
These zodiac combinations are more likely to become great friends, excellent partners, or perfect collaborators!
Conflicting Zodiacs
但是也有一些生肖之间容易起冲突，要注意避免矛盾哦！
Dànshì yě yǒu yìxiē shēngxiào zhījiān róngyì qǐ chōngtú, yào zhùyì bìmiǎn máodùn ó!
However, some zodiac signs are prone to conflicts, so be mindful to avoid unnecessary disagreements!
相冲生肖：容易不合拍
Xiāng chōng shēngxiào: róngyì bù hé pài
Clashing Zodiacs: Likely to Have Tensions
- 鼠 (shǔ) and 马 (mǎ) — Rat and Horse
- 牛 (niú) and
羊 (yáng) — Ox and Goat - 虎 (hǔ) and
猴 (hóu) — Tiger and Monkey - 兔 (tù) and 鸡 (jī) — Rabbit and Rooster
- 龙 (lóng) and 狗 (gǒu) — Dragon and Dog
- 蛇 (shé) and 猪 (zhū) — Snake and Pig
相害生肖：容易互相伤害
Xiānghài shēngxiào: róngyì hùxiāng shānghài
Hurting Zodiacs: May Harm Each Other
- 鼠 (shǔ) and 羊 (yáng) — Rat and Goat
- 牛 (niú) and 马 (mǎ) — Ox and Horse
- 虎 (hǔ) and 蛇 (shé) — Tiger and Snake
- 兔 (tù) and 龙 (lóng) — Rabbit and Dragon
- 猴 (hóu) and 猪 (zhū) — Monkey and Pig
- 鸡 (jī) and 狗 (gǒu) — Rooster and Dog
如果遇到这些组合，记得多一些包容和理解！
Rúguǒ yùdào zhèxiē zǔhé, jìdé duō yìxiē bāoróng hé lǐjiě!
If you encounter these pairings, remember to approach them with more tolerance and understanding!
Fun Fact
你知道吗？在中国，你的生肖年被称为“本命年 (běn mìng nián)”。据说这一年会带来一些挑战，所以人们会穿红色来保平安！
Nǐ zhīdào ma? Zài Zhōngguó, nǐ de shēngxiào nián bèi chēng wèi “běn mìng nián”. Jùshuō zhè yì nián huì dàilái yìxiē tiǎozhàn, suǒyǐ rénmen huì chuān hóngsè lái bǎo píng'ān!
Did you know? In China, your zodiac year is called "Ben Ming Nian" (本命年). It is believed to bring challenges, so people often wear red to ensure safety and good fortune!
Summary: Discover the Secrets of Your Chinese Zodiac
In this guide, you’ve uncovered the fascinating world of the Chinese Zodiac (生肖)! You've learnt how to say the 12 zodiac animals in Mandarin, explored their cultural symbolism, and found out what your sign reveals about your personality. We've also looked at the compatibility pairings—“Six Harmonies” and “Three Combos”— for perfect matches—and learnt which zodiacs might clash.
Whether you’re a wise Snake, a brave Tiger, or a loyal Dog, I hope this guide has helped you better understand yourself and your relationships from the perspective of the Chinese Zodiac!
-Angel Huang
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