Hi everyone! Today I am going to talk about an interesting topic – the Japanese zodiac.

十二支 Juunishi or the Japanese zodiac signs are identical to the Chinese zodiac signs. It is based on the 12 year cycle, where each year is assigned an animal. However, in the Japanese zodiac system goat is replaced by sheep and pig is replaced by wild boar.

Bases on the concept of 十二支 Juunishi, a person’s character traits and horoscope are determined by the animal year in which they are born. It is considered special once a person completes the 12 year cycle five times, which means they are 60 years old. In Japan, the 60th birthday of a person is known as 還暦 Kanreki.

Let’s take a look at the 12 zodiac animals and their personality traits.

 

子 (Nezumi) Rat

Personality Traits: goal oriented, ambitious, charming

Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960……..

 

丑 (Ushi) Ox

Personality Traits: trustworthy, skillful, reasonable

Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961………

 

寅 (Tora) Tiger

Personality Traits: courage, stubborn, deep thinker

Years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962………

 

卯 (Usagi) Rabbit

Personality Traits: talented, fortunate, reserved

Years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963……….

 

辰 (Tatsu) Dragon

Personality Traits: energetic, brave, honest

Years: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964……..

 

巳 (Hebi) Snake

Personality Traits: wise, introvert, generous

Years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965………

 

午 (Uma) Horse

Personality Traits: independent, skillful, jovial

Years: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966……….

 

未 (Hitsuji) Sheep

Personality Traits: shy, artistic, peace-loving

Years: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967……..

 

申 (Saru) Monkey

Personality Traits: problem solver, fun loving, active

Years: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968………

 

酉 (Tori) Rooster

Personality Traits: hard working, outspoken, observant

Years:  2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969……….

 

戌 (Inu) Dog

Personality Traits: patient, faithful, diligent

Years: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970……….

 

亥 (Inoshishi) Boar

Personality Traits: spendthrift, caring, tolerant

Years: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971………..

 

In case you want to say your Western zodiac or sun sign in Japanese, here they are:

 

おひつじ座  O-hitsujiza  (Ariea)

おうし座  O-ushiza  (Taurus)

ふたご座  Futagoza  (Gemini)

かに座  Kaniza  (Cancer)

しし座  Shishiza  (Leo)

おとめ座  Otomeza  (Virgo)

てんびん座  Tenbinza  (Libra)

さそり座  Sasoriza  (Scorpio)

いて座  Iteza  (Sagittarius)

やぎ座  Yagiza  (Capricorn)

みずがめ座  Mizugameza  (Aquarius)

うお座  Uoza  (Pisces)