Your Chinese zodiac sign reveals a lot about your personality and the year ahead
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs and What They Mean for You in 2025
Updated on Dec. 09, 2024
Say hello to 2025, aka the Year of the Snake! The Lunar New Year (also called the Chinese New Year) is a time for fireworks, lucky foods and the spirit of celebration, but beyond the festivities, it’s also the perfect opportunity to unlock the secrets of the Chinese zodiac signs.
Ever wonder whether your sign might steer the course of your year or reveal hidden traits about yourself? You’re not alone. That’s why we’re diving into the fascinating world of Chinese zodiac signs, with insights from Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang, a native of China who shares Chinese culture and history with students at the U.S. university where she works and whose family always followed the Chinese zodiac.
While Western astrology is based on the sun’s movement, Chinese astrology is a deeper, more intricate system. It revolves around the moon and brings together 12 zodiac animals, five powerful Chinese zodiac elements—Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire—and the balance of yin and yang energy. But why is knowing all this important?
Well, each year is associated with one of the 12 animals, and how they interact with the elements shapes your personality, compatibility and even the energy of your year. These zodiac meanings can offer surprising insights into who you are and how the world around you might unfold. In 2025, it’s the Year of the Snake: wise, intuitive and resourceful, with a touch of mystery. But what about the other zodiac animals? Were you born in the year of the adventurous Horse, the gentle Rabbit or perhaps the playful Monkey?
If you are interested in learning about Chinese zodiac signs, read on to find out!
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What is the Chinese zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao (“born resembling”), is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year represented by a different animal. In order, the 12 zodiac animals are:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
The order of the Chinese astrological signs is related to the most commonly accepted legend of the Chinese zodiac: the Jade Emperor’s Race. As the story goes, the Chinese emperor held a race to determine which lucky animals would have the honor of being added to the lunar calendar. The first-place winner—who ended up being the Rat—would claim the first year of the 12-year cycle, and so on. While the system originated in China, it remains popular in many East Asian countries, like India, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.
How do I know my Chinese zodiac sign?
Unlike Western astrology, which is governed by the constant planetary movements, your Chinese zodiac sign is predetermined by birth year; an Ox is an Ox, and that never changes (though the personality of a Water Ox will be somewhat different from a Fire Ox, and a Water Dragon different from a Wood Dragon).
Growing up in Hangzhou, China, Wang and her family always clung to the superstition of the Chinese zodiac. “Nowadays,” she says, “[fewer] people care about it, but it’s still in people’s minds.” For example, zodiac traits and compatibility are often cited as reasons two people don’t get along. (“They’re a Tiger and an Ox—of course they’re fighting!”)
While that may sound a lot like Western astrology, Wang notes that the very natures of Western and Eastern astrology are inherently different. “In Western astrology, horoscopes change,” she explains. “Chinese astrology is pretty set in stone.”
What are the Chinese zodiac signs?
Ready to learn your Chinese zodiac sign and what it says about you? Ahead, you’ll find each animal, along with related personality traits. Since 2025 is the Year of the Snake, we’ll start with that animal and slither on from there.
Snake
Birth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Next year of the Snake: 2025
“We say that Snake is like the mini Dragon,” says Wang, who points to the importance of dragons in Chinese culture. “So [the snake] is very popular as well.”
What can you expect from people born in the Year of the Snake? “They’re very curious and wise, but they can also be jealous and greedy,” she says. “Snake goes really well with Ox.” Dragons and Roosters are other optimal matches for a Snake.
Horse
Birth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Next year of the Horse: 2026
The horse has been one of the most influential animals in all of human history, which is why, Wang says, the Horse “is a leader and very generous as well.” People born in Horse years are also said to be talented and energetic. This Chinese astrology sign matches well with Tigers, Goats and Rabbits.
Goat
Birth years of the Goat: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Next year of the Goat: 2027
Often seen as followers and not leaders, people born in Goat years are gentle, decent and a little timid. “Goat is actually an animal that a lot of people try to avoid because Goat always has a hard life,” says Wang, adding that the birth rate tends to decrease in Goat years. If your Chinese zodiac sign is the Goat, you’d be wise to make a match with a Horse, Rabbit or Pig.
Monkey
Birth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Next year of the Monkey: 2028
Pretty much everyone loves a Monkey, likely because this is the animal most genetically linked to humans. “Monkey has really good social skills and is very humorous,” Wang says. Those two personality traits also make Monkeys playful and even sometimes mischievous. Ox, who is patient, and Rabbit, who is kind, are ideal matches for this sign.
Rooster
Birth years of the Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Next year of the Rooster: 2029
One can literally and figuratively set their clock by the Rooster, a Chinese zodiac sign that’s defined by reliability and consistency. For this reason, Roosters tend to do very well in Ox years. “They are also very brave and very entertaining,” Wang says. The Ox and Snake are zodiac signs compatible with the Rooster.
Dog
Birth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Next year of the Dog: 2030
“Dog sign is exactly what you think about dogs,” Wang says of man’s best friend. “Dog is very loyal, playful and selfless.” This Chinese zodiac sign is also considered practical, much like how the real animal is used for protection or bred by humans for specific purposes. A Dog’s best bet for a partner is a Rabbit—someone who is as kind and loving as they are.
Pig
Birth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Next year of the Pig: 2031
“The Pig is loving, happy, direct and persuasive,” says Wang. In fact, they may be the happiest out of the zodiac signs. The Pig may have come in last in the emperor’s race, but this animal sign is no slouch. The year 2019 was the year of the Earth Pig, which was predicted to bring steadiness, wealth and opportunity. (How was it for you?) Tigers, Rabbits and Goats will make a Pig happy.
Rat
Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Next year of the Rat: 2032
“We normally say Rat is smart, charming and imaginative,” Wang says. “That’s how he got first place.” The Rat secured first place in the emperor’s legendary race by riding on the back of the Ox and jumping off just in time to cross the finish line. This enviable wit is a source of pride for people of this Chinese astrology sign. As it happens, Rat is most compatible with Ox, as well as with Dragon and Monkey. The Chinese term for rat is sometimes translated to English as “mouse.”
Ox
Birth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Next year of the Ox: 2033
Duped by the Rat, the Ox came in second place. “Ox is very determined and generous and patient,” Wang says. “Ox is also considered very hardworking.” Those virtues may have helped people born in Ox years get through 2021, the year of the Metal Ox—in Chinese astrology, your zodiac animal’s year is considered unlucky for you. That’s because being born is said to antagonize a Chinese god of fortune named Tai Sui, earning you his curse. “He’s going to be against you,” Wang explains. “You’re trying to fight that monster.” One way to ward off the evils of your birth year is to wear red, an auspicious color in Chinese culture. Snakes, Rats and Roosters are the best matches for an Ox.
Tiger
Birth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Next year of the Tiger: 2034
“Tiger is very adventurous,” explains Wang. “[The Chinese] consider people in that year very lucky. The negative side is that Tigers can be kind of dramatic and cocky.”
Interestingly, Forbes once did a study of the 400 richest Americans and found a disproportionately large number of them were Tiger babies! Tiger goes well with Dragon, Horse and Pig.
Rabbit
Birth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Next year of the Rabbit: 2035
People born in Rabbit years are described as smart, kind and docile. Rabbits do not get along with Snakes, which, as a Snake, Wang knows from personal experience. “My dad was an Ox,” she reminisces. “I’m a daddy’s girl. My mom is a Rabbit, and she said I bullied her!” Rabbits get along famously with Dogs, Goats, Monkeys and Pigs.
Dragon
Birth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Next year of the Dragon: 2036
Dragons are incredibly important to Chinese culture, so naturally, the Dragon is a very popular Chinese astrology sign. “Dragon is warmhearted and enthusiastic. The birth rate will actually even increase during that year because everyone wants a Dragon baby,” Wang reveals. “There is such a huge competition when Dragon babies need to go to college because [they] are facing more competitors.” She also notes that Jack Ma Yun, owner of Alibaba and one of the richest men in China, is a Dragon. Dragons pair best with Roosters, Rats and Monkeys.
Additional reporting by Emma Taubenfeld.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on Chinese zodiac signs, we spoke with Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang, who grew up in China and was raised to follow the Chinese zodiac. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Juleen (Zhuqing) Wang, native of China who followed the Chinese zodiac and student services academic advisor for Montclair State University’s School of Business
- Travel China Guide: “Chinese Zodiac Story”
- Your Chinese Astrology: “Chinese Zodiac Five Elements”
- Travel China Guide: “Chinese Zodiac Compatibility”
- Travel China Guide: “Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Year of Birth)”
- Forbes: “Is Success in the Stars?”
- BBC: “Enter the dragons: A baby boom for Chinese across Asia”
- South China Morning Post: “World’s three richest Chinese billionaires born in ‘lucky’ year of the dragon”
- NPR: “China Blames Goats for 2015 Drop in Birth Rate”
