Chinese Zodiac: Calculate Your Zodiac Sign
The Chinese Zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. It uses twelve animals to represent years, cycling every twelve years. These twelve animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Learning about the Chinese Zodiac not only helps you understand traditional Chinese culture, but also allows you to learn Chinese character writing through these twelve characters. This article will introduce the characteristics of each zodiac animal in detail and help you master the writing of these characters through dynamic stroke order demonstrations.
At the end of the article, we also provide a zodiac calculator where you can select your birth date to quickly find your zodiac sign.
Table of Contents
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese Zodiac is a traditional Chinese calendar system that uses twelve animals to represent years. These twelve animals cycle in a fixed order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Detailed Introduction to the Twelve Zodiac Animals
Next, we will introduce the characteristics of each zodiac animal one by one and learn the corresponding Chinese characters through dynamic stroke order demonstrations. Each zodiac animal has its unique cultural connotations and symbolic meanings.
1. 鼠 (Shǔ) - Rat
shǔ
The Rat is the first in the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing intelligence, wit, and flexibility. In traditional culture, people born in the Year of the Rat are often considered smart, adaptable, and good at seizing opportunities.
Character Learning：
The character "鼠" (shǔ) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of a rat. This character consists of 13 strokes and has a relatively complex structure. When writing, pay attention to the stroke order: first write the "臼" radical, then the main part of "鼠".
2. 牛 (Niú) - Ox
niú
The Ox symbolizes diligence, reliability, and perseverance. People born in the Year of the Ox are often considered hardworking, reliable, and persistent.
Character Learning：
The character "牛" (niú) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of an ox head. This character consists of 4 strokes and has a simple structure, making it a good example for learning Chinese characters. When writing, pay attention to: the first stroke is a left-falling stroke, the second is horizontal, the third is vertical, and the fourth is horizontal.
3. 虎 (Hǔ) - Tiger
hǔ
The Tiger symbolizes bravery, majesty, and strength. People born in the Year of the Tiger are often considered brave, confident, and have leadership qualities.
Character Learning：
The character "虎" (hǔ) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of a tiger. This character consists of 8 strokes and has a relatively complex structure. When writing, pay attention to the "虍" radical at the top and the balance of the "几" radical at the bottom.
4. 兔 (Tù) - Rabbit
tù
The Rabbit symbolizes gentleness, kindness, and agility. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are often considered gentle, polite, and quick to react.
Character Learning：
The character "兔" (tù) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of a rabbit. This character consists of 8 strokes and has a relatively simple structure. When writing, pay attention to the "⺈" radical at the top and the balance of the "儿" radical at the bottom.
5. 龙 (Lóng) - Dragon
lóng
The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese Zodiac, symbolizing nobility, auspiciousness, and power. People born in the Year of the Dragon are often considered to have leadership abilities, confidence, and charm.
Character Learning：
The character "龙" (lóng) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of a dragon. This character consists of 5 strokes but has a unique structure. When writing, pay attention to the "立" radical at the top and the fluidity of the main part of "龙". The traditional character "龍" consists of 16 strokes and is more complex.
6. 蛇 (Shé) - Snake
shé
The Snake symbolizes wisdom, mystery, and flexibility. People born in the Year of the Snake are often considered intelligent, insightful, and good at thinking.
Character Learning：
The character "蛇" (shé) is a phono-semantic character composed of the "虫" radical and "它". This character consists of 11 strokes and has a relatively complex structure. When writing, pay attention to the "虫" radical and the balance of the "它" part.
7. 马 (Mǎ) - Horse
mǎ
The Horse symbolizes freedom, unrestrained spirit, and progress. People born in the Year of the Horse are often considered positive, energetic, and pursue freedom.
Character Learning：
The character "马" (mǎ) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of a horse. This character consists of 3 strokes and has a simple structure. The traditional character "馬" consists of 10 strokes. When writing, pay attention to the fluidity of the strokes to reflect the dynamic nature of a horse.
8. 羊 (Yáng) - Goat
yáng
The Goat symbolizes gentleness, kindness, and obedience. People born in the Year of the Goat are often considered gentle, compassionate, and good at cooperation.
Character Learning：
The character "羊" (yáng) is a pictographic character that depicts the image of a goat head. This character consists of 6 strokes and has a clear structure. When writing, pay attention to the "⺶" radical at the top and the balance of the main part of "羊".
9. 猴 (Hóu) - Monkey
hóu
The Monkey symbolizes intelligence, wit, and liveliness. People born in the Year of the Monkey are often considered smart, flexible, and creative.
Character Learning：
The character "猴" (hóu) is a phono-semantic character composed of the "犭" radical and "侯". This character consists of 12 strokes and has a relatively complex structure. When writing, pay attention to the "犭" radical and the balance of the "侯" part.
10. 鸡 (Jī) - Rooster
jī
The Rooster symbolizes diligence, punctuality, and confidence. People born in the Year of the Rooster are often considered hardworking, organized, and responsible.
Character Learning：
The character "鸡" (jī) is a phono-semantic character composed of the "鸟" radical and "奚". This character consists of 7 strokes and has a relatively simple structure. The traditional character "雞" consists of 18 strokes and is more complex. When writing, pay attention to the "鸟" radical and the balance of the "奚" part.
11. 狗 (Gǒu) - Dog
gǒu
The Dog symbolizes loyalty, bravery, and friendliness. People born in the Year of the Dog are often considered loyal, reliable, and have a sense of justice.
Character Learning：
The character "狗" (gǒu) is a phono-semantic character composed of the "犭" radical and "句". This character consists of 8 strokes and has a relatively simple structure. When writing, pay attention to the "犭" radical and the balance of the "句" part.
12. 猪 (Zhū) - Pig
zhū
The Pig symbolizes honesty, tolerance, and abundance. People born in the Year of the Pig are often considered honest, kind, and blessed.
Character Learning：
The character "猪" (zhū) is a phono-semantic character composed of the "犭" radical and "者". This character consists of 11 strokes and has a relatively complex structure. When writing, pay attention to the "犭" radical and the balance of the "者" part.
Zodiac Calculator
Want to know your zodiac sign? In the calculator below, select your birth date (year, month, day) to quickly find your zodiac sign. The calculator will automatically display your zodiac sign, the corresponding Chinese character, and related information. You can also practice writing the character directly.
生肖计算器
选择你的出生日期，快速查出你的生肖