Learn 12 Zodiac Signs For Chinese New Year

The Lunar New Year marks the transition from one zodiac sign to the next. In Chinese culture, each year is represented by a zodiac sign or animal, which is based on a 12-year cycle, and this year of 2022 is the year of the Tiger.

Quick tip: Your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by the year you were born. Compatibility matches and qualities are also linked to different zodiac signs. To learn more, check out this guide!

RAT

• Chinese Name: 鼠 (shǔ)
• Zodiac Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
• Most Compatible With: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
• Least Compatible With: Horse Goat, Rabbit
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 3

The Rat is the first of all Zodiac Animals. They are bright, clever, and quick thinkers. They are optimistic, energetic, and likable by many. They are also sensitive to other people's feelings but have poor communication skills.

OX

• Chinese Name: 牛 (niú)
• Zodiac Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
• Most Compatible With: Rat, Snake, Rooster
• Least Compatible With: Goat (Ram), Horse, Dog
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 4

In Chinese culture, the ox is considered an important animal because of its positive traits. Oxen are hardworking and reliable people. They are honest and never seek praise for their work. Oxen are logical thinkers and they make great leaders.

TIGER

• Chinese Name: 虎 (hǔ)
• Zodiac Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
• Most Compatible With: Horse, Pig, Dog
• Least Compatible With: Monkey, Snake
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 7

Tigers are brave and ambitious people who enjoy a good challenge. They have a strong sense of self-worth and are fiercely independent. Tigers have a strong sense of justice and will not back down in the face of adversity.

RABBIT

• Chinese Name: 兔 (tù)
• Zodiac Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
• Most Compatible With: Dog, Pig, Goat (Ram)
• Least Compatible With: Rooster, Dragon, Rat
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9

Rabbits have a quiet personality which hides their confidence and strength. Regardless of the criticism that surrounds them, they continue to work towards their goal. They have a hard time opening up to others, but they are kind people with a magnetic and charismatic personality.

DRAGON

• Chinese Name: 龙 (lóng)
• Zodiac Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
• Most Compatible With: Rooster, Monkey, Rat
• Least Compatible With: Dog, Rabbit, Dragon
• Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7

Dragons are the most respected animals in Chinese culture. In fact, Chinese Emperors are even thought of as reincarnation of dragons. Dragons are thought of as strong and independent people. They are confident and proud, but can be illogical and obsessive.

SNAKE

• Chinese Name: 蛇 (shé)
• Zodiac Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
• Most Compatible With: Monkey, Rooster, Ox
• Least Compatible With: Tiger, Pig
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 8

The Snake is the sixth Zodiac animal and was a close friend of the Dragon. When snakes fall in love, they love with all their heart. They are witty and sophisticated, but they don’t like making small talk. In times of trouble, snakes have an extraordinary capacity to remain cool, calm, and collected while thinking of solutions.

HORSE

• Chinese Name: 马 (mǎ)
• Zodiac Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
• Most Compatible With: Goat (Ram), Tiger, Dog
• Least Compatible With: Rat, Ox, Horse
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9

The Horse is considered as the head of the six domestic animals. Horses are revered by northern ethnic groups such as Mongolians and Manchurians. They are free-spirited creatures. They are also vivacious, studious, adamant about pursuing their goals, and are motivated by happiness.

RAM (GOAT)

• Chinese Name: 羊 (yang)
• Zodiac Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
• Most Compatible With: Horse, Pig, Rabbit
• Least Compatible With: Ox, Rat, Dog
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 9

The Ram (Goat) is regarded as a symbol of filial piety in Chinese culture. They're also said to represent purity and kindness. Rams (goats) are kind, altruistic, and are always considerate to others. They are tough and tenacious. They have a high tolerance level and never act arrogantly.

MONKEY

• Chinese Name: 猴 (hóu)
• Zodiac Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
• Most Compatible With: Snake, Rat, Dragon
• Least Compatible With: Tiger, Pig
• Lucky Number: 1, 7, 8

Monkeys are known for their fondness for peaches, which is considered a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. Therefore, monkeys are also associated with long life. They are lighthearted and intelligent beings, known to make great leaders. Their arrogance may be misconstrued, yet they see everyone as a teacher and are open to criticism from their mistakes.

ROOSTER

• Chinese Name: 鸡 (jī)
• Zodiac Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
• Most Compatible With: Dragon, Snake, Ox
• Least Compatible With: Rabbit, Dog, Rooster
• Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 8

The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Zodiac. Legend has claimed that roosters are able to protect you from evil spirits. They are perfectionists who take their work very seriously. They take decisive action and are excellent team leaders.

DOG

• Chinese Name: 狗 (gǒu)
• Zodiac Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
• Most Compatible With: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse
• Least Compatible With: Dragon, Ox, Goat (Ram)
• Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9

In China, a popular dog name is Wàng Cái (旺财) meaning prosperous and wealth. Dogs are known for being loyal and will never abandon their family, friends, and work. They are also known for their honesty and being able to help fix bad habits of others.

PIG

• Chinese Name: 猪 (zhū)
• Zodiac Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
• Most Compatible With: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat (Ram)
• Least Compatible With: Snake, Monkey
• Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 8

The Pig is the Chinese Zodiac's twelfth animal. Because of their plump face and large ears, pigs are associated with good fortune. Nevertheless, they are practical and not wasteful spenders. They enjoy entertainment and will pamper themselves on occasion. They are materialistic in nature, but this drives them to work. Even if the job is tedious, they are always eager and excited about what they are doing.