The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs Explained: Personality, Elements, and Fortune
The Chinese zodiac is one of the worldโs oldest astrological systems, dating back over 2,000 years. Each of the 12 signs carries distinct characteristics shaped by its animal symbolism, ruling element, and yin-yang energy.
The 12 Signs at a Glance
๐ Rat (้ผ ) โ Water, Yang
Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Rats are quick-witted, resourceful, and versatile. Natural leaders with sharp instincts, they thrive in entrepreneurship, writing, and politics. Best matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey.
๐ Ox (็) โ Earth, Yin
Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Oxen are diligent, dependable, and determined. Their patient, methodical nature suits engineering, agriculture, and finance. Best matches: Rat, Snake, Rooster.
๐ Tiger (่) โ Wood, Yang
Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Tigers are brave, confident, and charismatic. Born leaders who excel in management, military, and entrepreneurship. Best matches: Dragon, Horse, Pig.
๐ Rabbit (ๅ ) โ Wood, Yin
Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Rabbits are gentle, elegant, and kind-hearted. Their refined nature flourishes in art, design, counseling, and diplomacy. Best matches: Goat, Dog, Pig.
๐ Dragon (้พ) โ Earth, Yang
Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
The most powerful sign โ Dragons radiate charisma and ambition. They dominate in entrepreneurship, politics, and entertainment. Best matches: Rat, Tiger, Monkey.
๐ Snake (่) โ Fire, Yin
Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Snakes are wise, intuitive, and mysterious. Their analytical minds excel in academia, research, and finance. Best matches: Ox, Rooster, Monkey.
๐ Horse (้ฉฌ) โ Fire, Yang
Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Horses are energetic, independent, and adventurous. Dynamic careers in travel, sports, and journalism suit them well. Best matches: Tiger, Goat, Dog.
๐ Goat (็พ) โ Earth, Yin
Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Goats are creative, gentle, and artistic. They shine in music, art, healthcare, and education. Best matches: Rabbit, Horse, Pig.
๐ Monkey (็ด) โ Metal, Yang
Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Monkeys are clever, curious, and innovative. Fast-paced fields like tech, entertainment, and marketing are their playgrounds. Best matches: Rat, Dragon, Snake.
๐ Rooster (้ธก) โ Metal, Yin
Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Roosters are honest, punctual, and observant. Precision careers in journalism, law, and science reward their meticulous nature. Best matches: Ox, Snake, Dragon.
๐ Dog (็) โ Earth, Yang
Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Dogs are loyal, honest, and protective. Service-oriented fields like healthcare, teaching, and social work align with their sense of duty. Best matches: Rabbit, Horse, Tiger.
๐ Pig (็ช) โ Water, Yin
Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Pigs are generous, compassionate, and sincere. They flourish in hospitality, charity, and entertainment. Best matches: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat.
Understanding the Five Elements
Each sign carries both an animal and an elemental energy:
- Wood (ๆจ) โ Growth, creativity, flexibility (Tiger, Rabbit)
- Fire (็ซ) โ Passion, energy, transformation (Snake, Horse)
- Earth (ๅ) โ Stability, patience, reliability (Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog)
- Metal (้) โ Strength, determination, precision (Monkey, Rooster)
- Water (ๆฐด) โ Wisdom, adaptability, communication (Rat, Pig)
The element cycle also creates compatibility patterns. Water nourishes Wood, Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth (ash), Earth bears Metal, and Metal enriches Water.
Yin and Yang in the Zodiac
Every sign alternates between yin (้ด) and yang (้ณ):
- Yang signs: Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Dog โ Active, outgoing, assertive
- Yin signs: Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Goat, Rooster, Pig โ Passive, receptive, introspective
Daily Horoscope and Fortune
Each zodiac sign has daily fluctuations in fortune across five areas: love, career, wealth, health, and overall luck. Check our daily horoscope tailored to your sign.
Ready to explore deeper? Visit our individual zodiac detail pages or try the love compatibility calculator!