In Western cultures, zodiac predictions or horoscopes, are commonly viewed as light-hearted fun. In many Asian cultures, however, zodiac systems hold deeper cultural significance and are closely tied to personality traits and life paths. Use our Chinese zodiac calculator to find your animal, then explore its temperament, strengths, and unique benefits.
How Do You Calculate Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?
Be careful! If you were born in January or February, check the exact date of the Chinese New Year (春节, Chūnjié) for your birth year.
Since the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the New Year falls between 21 January and 20 February. A person born on 15 January 1990, might think they are a Horse (year 1990). However, the Chinese New Year of 1990 fell on 27 January therefore, they are still a Snake (year 1989).
That’s where the real magic of the Chinese horoscope lies. It’s much more than a fortune-telling system — it’s a fascinating window into Chinese language and culture. Despite common misconceptions, Chinese astrology isn’t just colourful folklore. It’s a sophisticated system that dates back over 2 000 years, grounded in astronomy, the philosophy of yin and yang, and the lunar calendar.
Thankfully, we've made it really easy, simply add your date of birth to the calculator below.
For anyone learning Mandarin, understanding the Chinese horoscope means tapping into a fundamental way of thinking in Chinese culture.
Here, we’ll look at the Chinese horoscope not as a mystical guide to your fate, but as a cultural and linguistic lens. You’ll see how the 12 zodiac animals shape everyday conversations, why your Chinese friends can work out your age without asking, and how this ancient tradition can genuinely enhance your Mandarin learning experience.
Understanding the Chinese Horoscope
If you're studying Chinese, you've probably noticed that your Asian classmates love talking about their Chinese zodiac sign. "What animal are you?" is a common question during first encounters, much like "Where are you from?" in the West. But why this almost universal interest?
🧭 A Millennia-Old System of Organisation
Chinese astrology was codified during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), a period that also saw the invention of paper, the compass, and porcelain. Unlike our Western zodiac, which is based on the annual solar cycle (12 months = 12 signs), the Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with an animal.
When a Chinese person asks you your Chinese zodiac sign, they're not trying to predict your future. It's an indirect and polite way of knowing your approximate age! In China, directly asking someone's age can be considered impolite, especially towards women. The zodiac allows you to bypass this awkwardness while also fostering social interaction.
This system is not based on mere divination; it is founded on astronomical observation and the
lunisolar calendar. The Chinese noticed that Jupiter (木星, Mùxīng, "the Wood Star") completes its orbit around the Sun in approximately 12 years. They divided this cycle into 12 sections, each symbolised by a familiar animal.
🎭 A Cultural Framework, Not an Inevitability
Note: Studying the Chinese horoscope doesn't mean believing your future is written in the stars. The Chinese themselves have a pragmatic relationship with their astrology. It's more of a shared symbolic language of history and legends behind the Chinese horoscope, a playful way to talk about personality and human relationships.
The 12 Animals of the Zodiac
Learning the 12 animals1 of the Chinese zodiac is a fun way to enrich is a fun way to enrich your vocabulary. Here's the complete list with the pronunciation in pinyin.
| Zodiac animal | Chinese character | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | 鼠 | Intelligent, adaptable, charming |
| Ox | 牛 | Reliable, hardworking, patient |
| Tiger | 虎 | Courageous, competitive, impulsive |
| Rabbit | 兔 | Kind, careful, artistic |
| Dragon | 龙 | Ambitious, energetic, powerful |
| Snake | 蛇 | Wise, mysterious, intuitive |
| Horse | 马 | Energetic, sociable, independent |
| Goat or Sheep | 羊 | Creative, sensitive, generous |
| Monkey | 猴 | Clever, curious, inventive |
| Rooster | 鸡 | Frank, motivated, organised |
| Dog | 狗 | Loyal, honest, protective |
| Pig | 猪 | Generous, optimistic, indulgent |
The Legend of the Great Race 🏁
According to popular legend (传说, chuánshuō), the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝, Yù Huáng Dàdì), the supreme Taoist deity, organised a race to determine which animals would represent the calendar. The first 12 to cross the celestial river were selected.
The cunning Rat (鼠, shǔ) climbed onto the Ox's (牛, niú) back and jumped at the last moment to cross the line first. This is why the Rat opens the cycle, followed by the Ox. This story, told to Chinese children from generation to generation, explains the order of Chinese characters while conveying moral values: the Rat's intelligence, the Ox's naive generosity, the Dragon's (龙, lóng) power, and so on.
The other animals arrived, singly or in twos and threes. The horse thundered into the Emperor's sight, with Snake wrapped around its leg. The sight of Snake frightened Horse, causing him to fall behind. So, the zodiac reflects the Snake arriving ahead of the Horse.
Goat, Monkey and Rooster worked together to get across the river. Pleased with their collaborative spirit, the Emperor awarded them their places in that order.
This legend reflects many of the traits people born under each Chinese zodiac sign embody.
As you read through each animal's description, you'll find echoes of this origin story. Often, they will clash with Western perceptions of these animal traits. For instance, we don't think highly of rats, but the Chinese zodiac finds them clever and resourceful.
The zodiac is one aspect that makes the Chinese New Year special. Far from being something to chuckle over, many cultures take zodiac meanings very seriously. People will go so far as to consult with fortune-tellers for guidance on how to navigate their zodiac animals' bad years.
The Rat - (鼠 shǔ)
Rat years
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Rat colours
- Lucky: black, gold, blue, green
- Unlucky: yellow, brown
Rat numbers
- Lucky: 2, 3, 6, 8
- Unlucky 4, 5, 9
The Rat Personality
Rats are quick-witted, versatile, and they adapt to any situation. Rats tend to be optimistic and outgoing, and they're often considerate of others.
The legend says that Rat and Cat rode across the river, together on Ox's back.
We know Rat tricked Ox by jumping off and running ahead.
However, Rat also pushed Cat off Ox's back mid-river.
So, the Chinese zodiac does not feature Cat
But, other cultures that use this system sometimes do.
Self-centredness is one of Rat's most dominant negative traits. Rats can also be stubborn and picky, and may be a bit shy. At their worst, Rats may lack persistence, leaving hard tasks undone.
Rat Compatibility
Anything creative: writing, photography, painting, fashion.
Also: medicine, engineering, and finance are suitable Rat career fields.
Best with Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Rooster, Dog, Pig
Bad with Horse; Avoid Goats
Forecast for 2026
2026 is a year marked by movement and rapid change for Rats. The energy of the Horse can cause some instability, but also opportunities if you act quickly. It's the perfect year to get rid of anything you don't need!
The Ox - (牛 niú)
Ox years
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Ox colours
- Lucky: green, red, purple
- Unlucky: white, blue
Ox numbers
- Lucky: 8, 3
- Unlucky: 6, 9
The Ox Personality
Ox is calm and persistent, hard-working and honest. People born in Ox years are strong-willed, yet tolerant.
On the downside, Ox can be stubborn and clumsy, especially with words. The overcautious Ox may also be unsociable, at times.
Many who ask this question look on these traits and wish to be a different animal.
Keep in mind that all Chinese zodiac meanings have up- and downsides.
Ox Compatibility
Anything requiring persistence: law, medicine, technician; and work that demands even temper: police, politics, teaching, government work.
Best with Snake, Rooster, Rat
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Bad with Goat; Avoid Horse
Forecast for 2026
If you are an Ox, 2026 will require patience and adaptation. The year will pass more quickly than you would like, but it could bring you significant progress at work if you remain consistent. Your emotional relationships are protected, but you will need to take care of them.
The Tiger - (虎 hǔ)
Tiger years
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Tiger colours
- Lucky: grey, white, blue, purple, orange, black
- Unlucky: gold, silver, brown, pink
Tiger numbers
- Lucky: 0, 1, 3, 4, 5
- Unlucky: 6, 7, 8
The Tiger Personality
Tigers are confident and brave, loyal and trustworthy. It would be hard to find a dishonest Tiger, or one that's not steadfast.
Still, Tigers are bossy and often act rashly. They can also be short-tempered, and are typically arrogant.
Tiger Compatibility
Leadership positions or solo work, such as explorer or politics. Outdoor work, particularly sports activities, and cultural installations, fit well, too.
Best with Horse, Dog, Pig;
Fine with Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Goat, Rooster
Bad with Monkey Avoid Snake
Forecast for 2026
A great year ahead for you! The energy of the Horse is perfectly suited to your daring nature: new adventures await you, as well as new emotional possibilities. A perfect year for travelling, studying, and your personal projects in general.
The Rabbit - (兔 tù)
Rabbit years
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rabbit colours
- Lucky: black, pink, purple, blue, grey, red
- Unlucky: brown, yellow, white
Rabbit numbers
3, 6, 9
The Rabbit Personality
If you've ever wondered "What Chinese zodiac am I?", be happy if our calculator shows you're a rabbit. Rabbits are gentle and considerate, friendly and compassionate.
On the downside, Rabbits find it hard to make decisions, and they're very timid. Rabbits can also be stubborn, especially when it comes to virtue.
Rabbit Compatibility
Anything nurturing: teacher, farmer, working with animals, or a place in the ministry. Some artistic endeavours are good Rabbit choices.
Best with Goat, Dog, Pig
Fine with Rat, Ox, Tiger, Snake, Horse, Monkey
Bad with Rooster; Avoid Dragon
Forecast for 2026
A dynamic year awaits the Rabbit, although it won't always be easy. Don't get carried away by the Horse's pace. You will have excellent opportunities on a social and creative level. You will feel better and better if you maintain your balance and remain gentle with yourself.
The Dragon - (龙 lóng)
Dragon years
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Dragon colours
- Lucky: yellow, green, blue
- Unlucky red
Dragon numbers
- Lucky: 1, 6, 7
- Unlucky 2, 8, 9
The Dragon Personality
Dragon's Chinese zodiac personality is confident and ambitious, energetic and intelligent. Dragons are generous and honest in all their dealings.
However, they can also be conceited and unrealistic, demanding and unstable. Dragons also suffer from a lack of persistence, and they can be intolerant, at times.
Dragon Compatibility
Any communication work: teacher, writer, or politician. Dragons are great with finance, so banking, cashiering, or anything along that line.
Best with Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Ox, Tiger, Horse, Goat, Pig
Bad with Dog
Avoid Rabbit
Forecast for 2026
2026 will bring strength, visibility, and leadership to the Dragon. It is a year that can accelerate major projects and strengthen your position. Just beware of excessive enthusiasm. Your relationships will also be more passionate.
The Snake - (蛇 shé)
Snake years
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Snake colours
- Lucky: red, light yellow, black
- Unlucky: white, golden, brown
Snake numbers
2, 8, 9
The Snake Personality
Snakes are graceful, wise, and good at speaking. Snakes are also perceptive and funny, and are quite sociable.
Snakes can be very determined, and more than a touch jealous. They have a suspicious nature, and can be sly and untrustworthy.
Snake Compatibility
Snakes excel as politicians, designers, or psychologists. Also, Snakes are great at anything in arts and entertainment.
Best with Ox, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Rat, Dragon, Rabbit, Horse, Goat, Dog
Bad with Pig; Avoid Tiger
Forecast for 2026
2026 will be a year of inner transformation and new ideas. The Horse stimulates personal exploration and pushes you to break out of your static habits. In love, you will find greater clarity. At work, new strategies will take you far.
The Horse - (马 mǎ)
Horse years
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Horse colours
- Lucky: blue, red, gold, yellow,
- Unlucky: orange, green, dark green
Horse numbers
- Lucky: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9
- Unlucky: 2, 3, 6
The Horse Personality
Horses are patient and warm-hearted. They have an independent spirit and tend to be easygoing. You can count on a steady temperament and an upright demeanour from any Horse you meet.
That sounds like Horse is the luckiest Chinese zodiac sign, but this majestic creature has its pitfalls. Vanity and extravagance are among them. Horses can also be opinionated, outspoken, and inflexible in their views.
Horse Compatibility
Discovery is Horse's trademark, so adventuring, entrepreneurship or science are great fields. Their outspoken side might lead them to politics or marketing and sales.
Best with Tiger, Goat, Dog
Fine with Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster
Bad with Rat
Avoid Ox
Forecast for 2026
2026 is your year! Your energy, initiative, and courage are at their peak. You have great power of attraction and decision-making. You can meet and greet new people, start new cycles, change direction, and assert yourself. Just be careful not to spread your energies too thin.
The Goat or Sheep (羊 yáng)
Goat years
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Goat colours
- Lucky green, red, purple
- Unlucky: gold, brown
Goat numbers
- Lucky: 2, 3, 4, 7, 9
- Unlucky: 6, 8
Several cultures follow this zodiac system, but each has its own variations.
In China, Sheep (Ewe, or Ram) prevails but, in Vietnam, Goat is the eighth animal.
The Goat Personality
Goats are soft-hearted and considerate, reliable and thrifty. People can depend on these gentle beings.
But, not too much, as goats can be indecisive and weak-willed. They are moody and often pessimistic, and too timid to stand up for themselves.
One of Chinese New Year's most fascinating aspects is how people will plan their lives, families, and careers around the Chinese zodiac.
Goat Compatibility
Taking orders is what they're good at, so service industry jobs are perfect for Goats. They may express their artistic side, as a writer, painter or musician.
Best with Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Fine with Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dog
Bad with Ox
Avoid Rat
Forecast for 2026
A harmonious and creative year awaits the Goat. The Horse supports your sensitivity and offers you opportunities for collaboration, art, and well-being. Emotional relationships are favoured, with a new lightness that makes you shine.
The Monkey - (猴 hóu)
Monkey years
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Monkey colours
- Lucky: white, blue
- Unlucky: red, black, grey
Monkey numbers
- Lucky: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8
- Unlucky: 2, 5, 9
The Monkey Personality
Monkeys are intelligent and self-assured, enthusiastic and innovative. If the answer to "what is my Chinese zodiac sign?" is Monkey, you'll find yourself discoursing at length, for Monkeys are eloquent.
Those very traits make Monkeys arrogant and jealous, though. They tend to be impatient and opportunistic, lacking the perseverance to see anything through.
Monkey Compatibility
Anything with lots of variety: entertainer, athlete, or stockbroker. Monkeys are great in 'logical' jobs like programming and detective work.
Best with Rat, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Ox, Rabbit, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Dog
Bad with Tiger; Avoid Pig
Predictions for 2026
For you, 2026 will be an exciting year full of ideas. You may find brilliant solutions and new avenues for your projects. An intense social life awaits you, with a few unexpected events, but you will handle them with your usual skill.
Lunar New Year—also known as Spring Festival—falls between 21 January and 20 February. The next two Chinese New Years will take place on 17 February 2026, and 6 February 2027.
The Rooster - (鸡 jī)
Rooster years
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Rooster colours
- Lucky: gold, brown, yellow
- Unlucky: white, green
Rooster numbers
- Lucky: 5, 7, 8
- Unlucky: 1, 3, 9
The Rooster Personality
Roosters are ambitious, capable, quick-witted and confident. The outgoing Rooster has great foresight, and is fiercely independent.
For all that, Roosters can be remarkably narrow-minded and selfish. They tend to be critical and impatient, and often sabotage their own success through their overconfidence.
Rooster Compatibility
Anything public-facing - politics, public speakers, or diplomats, are ideal Rooster careers. Roosters also make great actors!
Best with Ox, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Rat, Tiger, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Rabbit; Avoid Dog
Among traditional foods to eat on Lunar New Year, you'll find a whole chicken - head, feet, and all. As the superstition goes, the bird's feet symbolise the power to grab wealth. Tradition dictates that the head of household should eat them.
Forecast for 2026
The year 2026 will require you to be organised and clear-headed. The impetuous energy of the Horse may shake up your certainties somewhat, but it may also offer you new goals if you are willing to rethink your plans. You will also have more clarity in love.
The Dog - (狗 gǒu)
Dog years
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Dog colours
- Lucky: black, green, red, purple
- Unlucky: blue, white, gold
Dog numbers
- Lucky: 3, 4, 9
- Unlucky: 1, 6, 7
The Dog Personality
Like the four-legged friends we know today, zodiac Dogs are loyal, reliable, righteous, and quick-witted. Brave Dogs are also clever and responsible.
But, they are emotional and stubborn. Zodiac Dogs can be impatient, and conservative in their views.
Dog Compatibility
Any position that requires trust: lawyers, teachers, doctors, or civil servants. Thanks to their cleverness and imagination, any creative venture is a good fit for Dogs.
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Horse
Fine with Rat, Ox, Snake, Goat, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Dragon
Avoid Rooster
Predictions for 2026
One of the most favourable years for you as a Dog! The Horse brings balance, enthusiasm, and personal growth. Your emotional relationships will be protected and deeper. At work, progress is possible thanks to your consistency.
The Pig - (猪 zhū)
Pig years
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Pig colours
- Lucky: yellow
- Unlucky: red, blue
Pig numbers
- Lucky: 2, 5, 6, 8
- Unlucky: 3, 4, 9
The Pig Personality
Pigs are warm-hearted and sincere. Pigs are generous to a fault, and often too honest for their own good. You can count on Pig friends to deliver daily doses of optimism.
We think of pigs as lazy and shiftless; the Chinese zodiac sees Pig as slow-witted and sleepy. The gullible Pig is often jealous, and loses its temper when others get the best of them.
Pig Compatibility
Nurturing jobs suit Pigs the best: agriculture and animal care; perhaps even doctor or civil servant.
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Goat
Fine with Rat, Ox, Dragon, Horse, Dog
Bad with Snake; Avoid Monkey
Forecast for 2026
A gentle but dynamic year awaits the Pig. The Horse invites you to move, experiment, and leave your old habits behind. You will improve your emotional well-being, while your work will bring you increasing satisfaction.
If Pig is your answer to "What is my Chinese zodiac?" you might wonder why Pig is last. According to the legend, he stopped to eat along the way, and then grew sleepy, so he had a nap.
Beyond Astrology: A Window into the Chinese Mindset
Studying the Chinese horoscope ultimately means understanding how Chinese culture views time, relationships, and cosmic harmony.
A Cyclical View of Time
Unlike the Western, linear view of time (past → present → future), Chinese thought emphasises cycles. The 12-year zodiac cycle, combined with the five elements, creates a 60-year cycle that repeats endlessly. This worldview influences everything—from traditional architecture (siheyuan courtyard houses) to military strategy.
As French sociologist Marcel Granet wrote in Chinese Thought (1934): “The Chinese do not see time as an arrow, but as a spiral. Each return is different, yet the patterns repeat.”
The Importance of Relationships (关系, guānxi)
The zodiac’s system of romantic and social compatibility reflects the Chinese emphasis on 关系 (guānxi, relationships and networks). In a collectivist society, knowing who you’ll naturally get along with matters. Chinese astrology provides a reassuring framework for navigating complex social interactions.
That’s why Chinese people almost always ask for your zodiac sign—it’s not superstition, it’s social engineering.
A Common Cultural Touchstone
The 12 zodiac animals are woven into popular culture: cartoons (Kung Fu Panda), New Year stamps, festive decorations, tattoos, and more. Recognising these symbols helps you decode countless cultural references.
For example, 2024 was the Year of the Wood Dragon (甲辰龙年, Jiǎchén lóng nián). As the most prestigious animal (a symbol of imperial power), the Dragon triggered a surge in births that year. Millions of parents planned for “Dragon babies” to give their children a more favourable horoscope. Fascinating sociologically, isn’t it it?
A Common Cultural Touchstone
The 12 zodiac animals are woven into popular culture: cartoons (Kung Fu Panda), New Year stamps, festive decorations, tattoos, and more. Recognising these symbols helps you decode countless cultural references.
For example, 2024 was the Year of the Wood Dragon (甲辰龙年, Jiǎchén lóng nián). As the most prestigious animal (a symbol of imperial power), the Dragon triggered a surge in births that year. Millions of parents planned for “Dragon babies” to give their children a more favourable horoscope. Fascinating sociologically, isn’t it?
The Chinese Horoscope is a Cultural Passport
We’ve reached the end of this journey into the Chinese horoscope. You now know that behind every Rat, Dragon, or Pig lies a sophisticated system combining astronomy, Yin–Yang philosophy, and the lunar calendar.
More importantly, you’ve seen that Chinese astrology isn’t an esoteric belief system to accept or reject. It’s a shared cultural language, a playful way of understanding personality, and an outstanding immersion tool for anyone learning Mandarin.
So the next time someone asks you, “你属什么” (Nǐ shǔ shénme? — What’s your Chinese zodiac sign?), you won’t hesitate. You’ll smile, proudly name your animal in Chinese (我属虎, wǒ shǔ hǔ — “I’m a Tiger”), and spark a genuine cultural conversation.
Because in the end, mastering the Chinese horoscope gives you a valuable key—the one that opens doors to intercultural friendship and mutual understanding. And that’s something no grammar book can ever teach you.
新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) and enjoy exploring the Chinese zodiac! 🐉🎊
Sources
- "Chinese Astrology and Calendar." China Information, 2024. Available at https://chine.in/guide/astrologie-chinoise . Accessed December 12, 2025.
- Kalinowski, Marc. "Divination." HAL SHS , January 3, 2014. Available at https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00922843/document . Accessed December 12, 2025.
- "Love Compatibility." China Information , 2024. Available at https://chine.in/fun/compatibilite-amoureuse/ . Accessed December 12, 2025.
- "The Chinese Zodiac." StudyCLI , Chinese Language Institute, 2024. Available at https://studycli.org/fr/chinese-zodiac/ . Accessed December 12, 2025.
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