The Chinese zodiac animals are a cornerstone of Chinese culture. Known as the animals of the Chinese zodiac, these twelve Chinese calendar animals have shaped beliefs about personality, destiny, and compatibility for thousands of years. For Mandarin learners, the zodiac is a fun and practical way to connect language with culture.

What Are the Chinese Zodiacs?

The 12 Chinese zodiac animals form a repeating 12-year cycle. People often ask: “How many Chinese zodiacs are there?” or “What animal am I in the Chinese zodiac?”

The twelve animals in the order of the Chinese zodiac are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Knowing your zodiac sign can help you understand personal traits and compatibility in Chinese tradition.

The Famous Chinese Zodiac Race

Legend has it that the Jade Emperor wanted twelve animals to represent the years. To decide the order, he organized a river-crossing race.

  • The Rat cleverly rode on the Ox’s back and jumped first to win.
  • The Ox came second, strong and dependable.
  • The other animals finished according to their skills, forming the Chinese zodiac ranking still recognized today.

Even today, people use digital tools to explore the Chinese horoscope race and check zodiac compatibility.

The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals: Stories and Learning

  1. Rat - 鼠 (Shǔ)
    Story: The Rat rode on the Ox’s back to win the race.
    Symbolism: Intelligence, resourcefulness.
    Example: “我属鼠。” (Wǒ shǔ Shǔ.) — “I am born in the year of the Rat.”
  2. Ox - 牛 (Niú)
    Story: The Ox swam steadily and arrived second.
    Symbolism: Strength, diligence.
    Example: “牛很勤劳。” (Niú hěn qínláo.) — “Oxen are strong and dependable.”
  3. Tiger - 虎 (Hǔ)
    Story: Tigers are brave warriors protecting humans from evil spirits.
    Symbolism: Courage, power.
    Example: “虎很勇敢。” (Hǔ hěn yǒnggǎn.) — “Tigers are brave.”
  4. Rabbit - 兔 (Tù)
    Story: The Moon rabbit lives with Chang’e, symbolizing longevity.
    Symbolism: Gentleness, kindness.
    Example: “兔很温柔。” (Tù hěn wēnróu.) — “Rabbits are gentle and kind.”
  5. Dragon - 龙 (Lóng)
    Story: Dragons control water and rain, symbolizing imperial power.
    Symbolism: Strength, luck.
    Example: “龙是力量的象征。” (Lóng shì lìliàng de xiàngzhēng.) — “Dragons are symbols of strength.”
  6. Snake - 蛇 (Shé)
    Story: Snakes are wise and mysterious.
    Symbolism: Intelligence, mystery.
    Example: “蛇很聪明，也很神秘。” (Shé hěn cōngmíng, yě hěn shénmì.) — “Snakes are wise and mysterious.”
  7. Horse - 马 (Mǎ)
    Story: Horses carry travelers across legendary lands.
    Symbolism: Speed, freedom.
    Example: “马很有活力。” (Mǎ hěn yǒu huólì.) — “Horses are energetic.”
  8. Goat - 羊 (Yáng)
    Story: Goats bring harvest blessings to villages.
    Symbolism: Peace, creativity.
    Example: “羊很温和。” (Yáng hěn wēnhé.) — “Goats are calm and gentle.”
  9. Monkey - 猴 (Hóu)
    Story: Inspired by Sun Wukong, monkeys are clever tricksters.
    Symbolism: Cleverness, fun.
    Example: “猴很聪明，也很有趣。” (Hóu hěn cōngmíng, yě hěn yǒuqù.) — “Monkeys are clever and fun.”
  10. Rooster - 鸡 (Jī)
    Story: Roosters announce the morning and chase away evil spirits.
    Symbolism: Diligence, punctuality.
    Example: “鸡很勤奋。” (Jī hěn qínfèn.) — “Roosters are diligent.”
  11. Dog - 狗 (Gǒu)
    Story: Dogs are loyal companions guarding families.
    Symbolism: Loyalty, protection.
    Example: “狗很忠诚。” (Gǒu hěn zhōngchéng.) — “Dogs are loyal.”
  12. Pig - 猪 (Zhū)
    Story: Pigs symbolize wealth and prosperity.
    Symbolism: Kindness, happiness.
    Example: “猪很善良，也很快乐。” (Zhū hěn shànliáng, yě hěn kuàilè.) — “Pigs are kind and happy.”

Learning Chinese Through the Zodiac

  • Master vocabulary and pronunciation: 鼠 (Shǔ), 牛 (Niú), 虎 (Hǔ), etc.
  • Practice speaking sentences, such as:
    ○ “我属什么？” (Wǒ shǔ shénme?) — “Which animal am I in the Chinese zodiac?”
    ○ “我属龙。” (Wǒ shǔ Lóng.) — “I am born in the year of the Dragon.”
  • Explore cultural stories and symbolism, connecting language practice with Chinese tradition.

Using the zodiac, learning Chinese becomes playful, cultural, and meaningful.

Fun Thoughts: What If…?

Ever wondered why some animals didn’t make it into the zodiac? Why no cat, elephant, or panda? According to legend, only the twelve who raced across the river earned a spot.

  • If you could add one more animal, which would it be?
  • Which zodiac animal do you feel most like?
  • How might a new animal change the zodiac’s personality traits?

Talk with friends or family and imagine a 13th zodiac animal—you might come up with some hilarious or creative ideas!

Interactive Section

Now that you’ve explored all the Chinese zodiac animals, do you know which one represents you?
Check your birth year, see if your personality matches your zodiac traits, and compare with friends and family—you might be surprised!