Zodiac Signifies Character
When you take Chinese language course in Beijing, your friends might ask your Nǐ shǔ shénme? ( What is your Chinese zodiac ) ? Do you know your Chinese zodiac animal sign?
The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao ( 生肖 ), is based on a twelve-year cycle, each year in that cycle related to an animal sign. These signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. It is calculated according to Chinese lunar calendar. You can use the calculator to search for your Chinese zodiac animal sign. Select your Gregorian date of birth, and you’ll reveal your date of birth according to the lunar calendar, together with your zodiac sign.
Rat– 鼠 (Shǔ)
Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924
Characteristics: Those who are born in the year of the rat are known to be innovative, intelligent and full of crafty ideas. They are also people who know how to make the best of a situation, making it their advantage. They are also collectors by nature, and are probably the only ones who are awake when the world is asleep. Rats need to be careful with their temper and greed. They are best matched with the Dragons and Monkeys.
Ox (Buffalo) –牛 (Niú)
Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925
Characteristics: Honest, patient and conservative. The Ox is most happy when left alone to their devices. They are also great parents because the Ox is regarded as a dependable creature. However, they are also stubborn creatures. Because of their dependable character, you can trust that an Ox will always finish the task laid out to them despite having a slow start. They are good friends with Snakes and Roosters, but totally at ends with Goats.
Tiger — 虎 (Hǔ)
Years: 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914
Characteristics: Just like the creature, Tigers are brave and powerful creatures. They are also people who dare to take risks, which of course make them good natural leaders. In order to secure their stand and ensure everything works well, a Tiger must think carefully before making a move, and not let their brash character offend others. Good friends to the Tiger are Dogs and Horses. Monkeys are a no-no.
Rabbit — 兔 (Tù)
Years: 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915
Characteristics: It is said that those born in the year of the Rabbit are the luckiest of them all. This is because the Rabbit have good characters. They are gentle, talented, friendly and always gracious. These wonderful qualities make them highly popular among their friends. Sometimes, a Rabbit can be very shy and sentimental, but if they can overcome that, they can succeed in almost everything that they do. Good friends are Goats and Pigs;
Dragon — 龙(Lóng)
Years: 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916
Characteristics: Unique, energetic and overly-dramatic are the Dragons. They also have an interesting imagination. On the downside, the Dragons are moody creatures who strive for perfection. Dragons should be aware of Dogs but are buddies with Rats and Monkeys.
Snake– 蛇 (Shé)
Years: 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917
Characteristics: While many deemed the Snakes are sly and cunning, the Snakes are actually talented and graceful creatures. They are also wise and subtle in their ways. They are generally people who care about their looks and are sometimes rather stingy. However, if only the Snake knows how to make use of their true qualities, they will find themselves quite popular. A Snake is best with the Rooster and Ox, while it hates the Pigs.
Horse — 马 (Mǎ)
Years: 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918
Characteristics: A Horse’s high spirit and energy are engaging. Their positive outlook in life also makes them well-liked among friends. By nature, those who are born in the year of the Horse love to travel, preferably alone. Because of their character, they are generally impatient creatures, therefore they should learn to chill out and finish whatever tasks they’ve started on. Good mates for the Horse are Tigers or Dogs.
Goat — 羊 (Yáng)
Years: 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919
Characteristics: This is a loving and gentle bunch. They are also elegant and creative. They can be rather shy at times, but once they learn to step out of their comfort zones, they should do well. Goats are not particularly friendly with the Ox, but enjoy being around Pigs and Rabbits.
Monkey — 猴 (Hóu)
Years: 2004, 1992, 1980. 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920
Characteristics: Monkeys are fun people to be with because they are confident, energetic and happy. They are also curious creature. Attention is always showered upon them because of these attitudes. However, if a monkey gets overly confident, they can confuse themselves. Monkeys are advised to stay away from Tigers and find solace in Dragons or Rats.
Rooster — 鸡 (Jī)
Years: 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921
Characteristics: And so when the Rooster crows at the crack of dawn, it wakes us up. Roosters are generally punctual people, totally reliable and independent. They also enjoy taking center stage and are sometimes vain creatures. Because of this, the dependable Ox and shrewd Snakes make good friends while the solid Rabbit smells trouble.
Dog — 狗 (Gǒu)
Years: 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922
Characteristics: As most of you already know, Dogs are sporting, loyal and honest people. They are also helpful and positive, although sometimes they tend to worry too much. Dogs make good friends with Horses or Tigers, but beware of the Dragons.
Pig (Boar) — 猪 (Zhū)
Year: 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923
Characteristics: Noble and strong, the Boar or Pigs are noble creatures and will always put others ahead of themselves, especially their family. Friendships they build will last a long time even though the reckless nature of a Pig can sometimes be tough to handle. Pigs are a bane to themselves, therefore making friends with Rabbits or Goats would be a good idea.
