Your Chinese animal
from the year you were born
One of twelve animals on a twelve-year cycle, with its element and its yin or yang. The year turns at Chinese New Year, not on 1 January.
Example22 November 1988pick your own date
A zodiac year begins at Chinese New Year, not on 1 January. Anyone born in January or early February may belong to the previous animal. The full table is here.
The Dragon is the most auspicious and powerful sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing imperial authority, vitality, and extraordinary ambition. Unlike every other zodiac animal, the Dragon is a mythical creature — the only one born from legend rather than the natural world — which speaks to the larger-than-life energy of those born under this sign. In Chinese culture, the Dragon has been the symbol of the Emperor, representing supreme power, good fortune, and divine blessing for thousands of years. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are destined to stand out — their energy, charisma, and unyielding confidence draw both opportunity and admiration wherever they go. Dragon years are so highly prized in Chinese tradition that birth rates historically spike during these years, as parents hope to bestow this fortunate sign upon their children. People born under the Dragon possess a rare inner fire that fuels their ambitions and inspires others to dream bigger — they are the visionaries, the empire builders, and the catalysts for transformation in every community they touch.
The whole table
yours is highlighted| Animal | Years | Element of the last |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032 | Water |
| Ox | 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033 | Water |
| Tiger | 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034 | Wood |
| Rabbit | 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035 | Wood |
| Dragon | 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 | Wood |
| Snake | 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 | Wood |
| Horse | 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 | Fire |
| Goat | 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 | Fire |
| Monkey | 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028 | Earth |
| Rooster | 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029 | Earth |
| Dog | 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 | Metal |
| Pig | 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031 | Metal |
In more detail
chinese zodiacChinese Zodiac Elements
Beyond the 12 animals, each year is also associated with one of 5 elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year grand cycle. Each element modifies the animal sign's characteristics. For example, a Water Rat (2008) differs from a Wood Rat (1984). The element adds another layer of personality and destiny interpretation.
Zodiac Compatibility
In Chinese astrology, some animal signs are naturally compatible while others clash. The most compatible are often signs that form a "trine" — Rat-Dragon-Monkey, Ox-Snake-Rooster, Tiger-Horse-Dog, Rabbit-Goat-Pig. Opposite signs (6 years apart) may face challenges but also offer growth opportunities.
Others from one date
no birth time neededCommon questions
1 questionsWhat is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese Zodiac (Shengxiao) is a 12-year cycle, each year associated with an animal sign: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Your animal sign is determined by your birth year and is believed to influence your personality, compatibility, career, and fortune.
A date gives a sign. A minute gives a chart.
Your sun sign comes from the day. Your lagna moves a whole sign every two hours — free, and no sign-up.