Chinese Zodiac Sign
Discover your true Zodiac Animal, Element, and Yin/Yang energy with precisionโhandling the Lunar New Year boundary correctly.
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๐ฎ Detailed Horoscope Analysis
Unlock the Secrets of Your Chinese Zodiac
Represents your personality core.
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water.
The balance of your energy.
Welcome to the ultimate Chinese Zodiac Calculator. Unlike Western astrology which is based on months, Chinese astrology (Sheng Xiao) is based on a 12-year lunar cycle. Each year is represented by an animal and interacts with one of the five elements, creating a unique 60-year cycle.
Why Your Birth Date Matters (The Jan/Feb Rule)
A common mistake people make is assuming the Chinese Zodiac changes on January 1st. It does not. The Lunar New Year usually falls between January 21 and February 20. If you were born in this window, you must check the exact date of the Lunar New Year for your birth year. Our calculator above handles this logic for you, ensuring you don't get the wrong animal!
The 12 Zodiac Animals & Traits
| Animal | Years (Approx) | Key Personality Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Rat (้ผ ) | 2020, 2008, 1996 | Resourceful, versatile, kind, smart. |
| Ox (็) | 2021, 2009, 1997 | Diligent, dependable, strong, determined. |
| Tiger (่) | 2022, 2010, 1998 | Brave, confident, competitive. |
| Rabbit (ๅ ) | 2023, 2011, 1999 | Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible. |
| Dragon (้พ) | 2024, 2012, 2000 | Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic. |
| Snake (่) | 2025, 2013, 2001 | Enigmatic, intelligent, wise. |
| Horse (้ฉฌ) | 2026, 2014, 2002 | Animated, active, energetic. |
| Goat (็พ) | 2027, 2015, 2003 | Calm, gentle, sympathetic. |
| Monkey (็ด) | 2028, 2016, 2004 | Sharp, smart, curiosity. |
| Rooster (้ธก) | 2029, 2017, 2005 | Observant, hardworking, courageous. |
| Dog (็) | 2030, 2018, 2006 | Lovely, honest, prudent. |
| Pig (็ช) | 2031, 2019, 2007 | Compassionate, generous, diligent. |
Understanding the 5 Elements (Wu Xing)
Your sign isn't just an animal; it has an element attached to it based on the Heavenly Stems. This changes your personality nuance.
- Metal (Gold): Strong, self-reliant, unyielding. (Years ending in 0 or 1)
- Water: Creative, diplomatic, intuitive. (Years ending in 2 or 3)
- Wood: Generous, ethical, expansive. (Years ending in 4 or 5)
- Fire: Passionate, adventurous, dynamic. (Years ending in 6 or 7)
- Earth: Grounded, honest, practical. (Years ending in 8 or 9)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this calculator accurate for all years?
Yes. We use the traditional Sexagenary cycle logic. However, if you were born exactly on the day of the Lunar New Year, traditions vary. Generally, the new animal starts on the exact day of the Lunar New Year.
What is "Ben Ming Nian"?
This refers to your "Zodiac Year of Birth". It happens every 12 years (age 12, 24, 36, etc.). Paradoxically, in Chinese culture, this is considered a year of bad luck, and traditionally one wears red underwear or accessories to ward off bad fortune.
How does compatibility work?
The Zodiac works in trines. For example, the Rat, Dragon, and Monkey work very well together. The Ox, Snake, and Rooster are another power trio. Opposites (6 years apart) usually clash (e.g., Rat and Horse).
For more specific Chinese cultural tools, try our Chinese Name Generator or learn how to pronounce your sign with our Romanization Tool.