Chinese Zodiac: Complete Guide to the 12 Animal Signs
The Chinese zodiac (Shēngxiào) follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Unlike Western astrology, which changes monthly, the Chinese zodiac changes annually based on the lunar calendar.
The 12 animals in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The cycle repeats every 12 years. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon; 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Traditional traits by animal: - Rat: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind - Ox: Diligent, dependable, strong, determined - Tiger: Brave, confident, competitive, unpredictable - Rabbit: Gentle, quiet, elegant, responsible - Dragon: Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, ambitious - Snake: Wise, enigmatic, intuitive, graceful - Horse: Energetic, independent, warm-hearted, impatient - Goat: Calm, gentle, creative, sympathetic - Monkey: Sharp, clever, curious, mischievous - Rooster: Observant, hardworking, courageous, outspoken - Dog: Loyal, honest, prudent, amiable - Pig: Compassionate, generous, diligent, warm
The 60-year cycle: Beyond the 12 animals, each year also pairs with one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year grand cycle. 2024 is the Wood Dragon; 2025 is the Wood Snake.
Important: The Chinese zodiac year begins at Chinese New Year (late January or February), not January 1. If you were born in January or early February, check which zodiac year your birth date falls into.
Use Tooler's Chinese Zodiac Calculator to find your animal sign from your birth year.