The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals that repeat in a fixed order. Each animal stands for a full year, and people born in that year share its traits according to tradition. The cycle has been part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. Whether you want to know your own sign or learn about others, this guide covers all 12 animals and what they mean.
The Legend of the Zodiac Race
The story goes that the Jade Emperor called for a race. The first 12 animals to finish would each get a year named after them. The Rat and Cat asked the Ox for a ride across the river. The Ox agreed. Near the shore, the Rat pushed the Cat into the water and jumped off first. That's why the Rat is first and the Cat is not in the zodiac. The Ox came second. The Tiger swam hard and placed third. The Rabbit hopped on stones and a log to cross. The Dragon flew over but stopped to help villagers, so it came fifth. The Snake hid in the Horse's hoof and scared it at the finish, so the Horse was sixth and the Snake seventh. The Goat, Monkey, and Rooster shared a raft. The Dog stopped to play in the water. The Pig got hungry, ate, and napped, arriving last. That's the order we still use today.
1. Rat (鼠)
People born in Rat years are often seen as smart, adaptable, and quick-witted. They are good at saving money and spotting chances. Rats can be charming and sociable but sometimes cautious. They pair well with Dragon, Monkey, and Ox. For more on Rat traits, see our Rat zodiac article.
2. Ox (牛)
The Ox is dependable, strong, and hardworking. Ox people rarely give up and can be trusted to finish what they start. They are honest and prefer routine over change. They may seem stubborn but are loyal friends and partners. Read our Ox zodiac guide for details.
3. Tiger (虎)
Tigers are brave, confident, and natural leaders. They like a challenge and are not afraid to take risks. They can be competitive and sometimes impulsive. Tigers bring energy and boldness to any team. Check our Tiger zodiac post for career and personality tips.
4. Rabbit (兔)
Rabbit people are gentle, kind, and good at reading others. They avoid conflict and prefer a calm life. They are often artistic and enjoy beauty. Rabbits can be shy but make warm, loyal friends. Our Rabbit zodiac article has more.
5. Dragon (龙)
The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the zodiac. Dragon people are confident, ambitious, and often lucky. They like to stand out and inspire others. They can be proud and sometimes expect a lot from people. See our Dragon zodiac guide for leadership and fortune ideas.
6. Snake (蛇)
Snakes are wise, strategic, and good at keeping secrets. They think before they act and trust their gut. They value loyalty but can be cautious about opening up. Snakes often do well in careers that need planning and insight. Read our Snake zodiac post for more.
7. Horse (马)
Horse people love freedom and adventure. They are energetic, independent, and good with people. They can be impatient and sometimes rush into things. Horses need space and dislike being controlled. Our Horse zodiac article covers success and personality.
8. Goat (羊)
Goats are creative, gentle, and artistic. They care about others and often put feelings first. They like comfort and may avoid stress. Goats can be indecisive but bring warmth and creativity to relationships. Check our Goat zodiac guide.
9. Monkey (猴)
Monkeys are clever, curious, and witty. They learn fast and love to solve problems. They can be playful and sometimes mischievous. Monkeys are fun to be around and often succeed in creative or tech fields. See our Monkey zodiac post for social and career tips.
10. Rooster (鸡)
Roosters are honest, hardworking, and proud. They pay attention to details and like to look good. They can be blunt and sometimes critical. Roosters are loyal and stand up for what they believe in. Our Rooster, Dog, and Pig guide covers all three.
11. Dog (狗)
Dogs are loyal, honest, and protective. They care about fairness and will defend friends and family. They can be anxious and sometimes worry too much. Dogs make reliable partners and friends. The same Rooster, Dog, and Pig guide includes Dog traits.
12. Pig (猪)
Pigs are generous, honest, and calm. They enjoy good food and good company. They are easy to get along with and rarely hold grudges. Pigs can be too trusting but bring warmth to any group. The Rooster, Dog, and Pig guide has full details.
Quick Reference Table
| Animal | Strength | Weakness | Best Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | Smart, adaptable | Can be stingy | Dragon, Monkey |
| Ox | Reliable, strong | Stubborn | Rat, Rooster |
| Tiger | Brave, confident | Impatient | Horse, Dog |
| Rabbit | Gentle, kind | Shy | Goat, Pig |
| Dragon | Ambitious, lucky | Proud | Rat, Monkey |
| Snake | Wise, strategic | Secretive | Ox, Rooster |
| Horse | Energetic, free | Impatient | Tiger, Goat |
| Goat | Creative, gentle | Indecisive | Rabbit, Pig |
| Monkey | Clever, witty | Arrogant | Rat, Dragon |
| Rooster | Honest, hardworking | Critical | Ox, Snake |
| Dog | Loyal, honest | Anxious | Tiger, Rabbit |
| Pig | Generous, calm | Naive | Rabbit, Goat |
The 12-Year Cycle and You
Your zodiac year (the year of your animal) comes every 12 years. Some believe your own zodiac year can bring extra challenges, so people often wear red or take care during that year. Your year can also feel like a fresh start. Many people celebrate their zodiac year with family and friends. You can find your sign using our calculator or read how to find your sign by date of birth.
Where to Go From Here
Browse our categories for compatibility, predictions, and more. Visit our about page to learn about ChineseZodiacCalculator.site, or contact us with questions.
FAQs
What is the order of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals?
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The order never changes.
Why is there no Cat in the Chinese zodiac?
Legend says the Rat tricked the Cat during the race. The Cat fell in the river and never finished, so it is not part of the 12.
Can I look up someone else's zodiac sign?
Yes. If you know their birth date, use our zodiac calculator. Remember the Lunar New Year cutoff for January and early February births.
Do the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) affect the zodiac?
Yes. Each animal year also has an element, which adds more detail to personality and compatibility. Our categories include articles on elements.