Hello Readers!

Today’s topic is the Rat.

The 鼠 (rat) is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac.  They are known for being 聪明 (smart), 节俭 (thrifty), and 灵巧 (handy).  Moreover, they are marked by their 魅力 (charm), ability to speak in a 坦率 (frank) manner, and their personality’s 开朗 (carefree) nature.  In their later years, Rats live a 荣华富贵 (honorable and prosperous) lifestyle, likely a result of their early thriftiness.  One thing to watch out for is that it’s easy for them to become 激动 (excited).  Famous rat people include Cameron Diaz, Claude Monet, Prince Charles, and Marlon Brando.

Years of the Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, and 2032.

Words

鼠 shu3 mouse/rat
聪明 cong1ming2 intelligent
节俭 jie2jian3 thrifty
灵巧 ling2qiao3 handy
魅力 mei4li4 charm
坦率 tan3shuai4 frank
开朗 kai1lang2 without worry
荣华 rong2hua2 prosperous
富贵 fu4gui4 wealthy
激动 ji4dong4 excite(d)