June 30, 2026 · 星期二
The Twelve Animals
十二生肖· year
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyThe 十二生肖 reflects both cultural tradition and personal identity in Chinese society.
The Twelve Animals
十二生肖shí èr shēng xiāo
The Twelve Animals, or 十二生肖 (shēngxiào), is a traditional system used in Chinese culture to represent years in a cycle of twelve. Each year is associated with one of twelve animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. This cycle repeats every twelve years, and each animal is believed to bestow certain characteristics and fortunes on those born in its year. The system is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and has been a part of Chinese cultural identity for centuries[1].
The origins of the 十二生肖 are not clearly documented, but legends suggest that the Jade Emperor, a prominent deity in Chinese mythology, selected these twelve animals based on a race or a meeting he organized. Each animal's position in the cycle was determined by the order in which they arrived. This story highlights the playful and narrative nature of the 十二生肖, which continues to capture the imagination of people today[2].
In daily life, the 十二生肖 is more than just a method to mark years; it is also a tool for personal reflection and cultural expression. People often refer to their zodiac animal when discussing personality traits or predicting compatibility with others. For instance, individuals born in the Year of the Horse, such as 2026, are often considered energetic and free-spirited. This belief adds a layer of charm and cultural significance to the calendar, linking it with personal identity and social interactions[3].
Today, as we find ourselves in the Year of the Horse, it is a fitting moment to reflect on how these ancient traditions continue to influence modern lives. The 十二生肖 remains a beloved part of festivities like the Chinese New Year, where people celebrate their zodiac signs with decorations, greetings, and wishes for prosperity. These celebrations serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that keep cultural heritage alive and vibrant across generations.
The 十二生肖 reflects both cultural tradition and personal identity in Chinese society.
今年是马年。
Jīnnián shì mǎ nián.
This year is the Year of the Horse.
- [1] 《礼记》 (Liji or Book of Rites), a classical Confucian text
- [2] 《山海经》 (Shanhaijing or Classic of Mountains and Seas), an ancient Chinese text
- [3] 《周易》 (Zhou Yi or I Ching), a classic Chinese divination text
Jason & Amy on 年
Podcast: Daily Chinese: 年 — The Twelve Animals
Jason & Amy on 年 and The Twelve Animals
New here?
今年是新年。
Jīnnián shì xīnnián.
This year is the new year.
Uses 年 in a simple sentence about the new year.
我的出生年是兔年。
Wǒ de chūshēng nián shì tù nián.
My birth year is the Year of the Rabbit.
Discusses one's birth year using 年.
我们每年都庆祝春节。
Wǒmen měi nián dōu qìngzhù Chūnjié.
We celebrate the Spring Festival every year.
Shows the recurring nature of 年 in annual celebrations.
时间如飞逝的一年。
Shíjiān rú fēishì de yī nián.
Time flies like a fleeting year.
Uses 年 in a metaphorical sense about the passage of time.
Expressing time with 年
noun + 是 + 年
This pattern is used to indicate what year something is or occurred, commonly used with calendar years or zodiac years.
Use this pattern when stating a year or identifying an event's year.
今年是马年。
Jīnnián shì mǎ nián.
This year is the Year of the Horse.
明年是龙年。
Míngnián shì lóng nián.
Next year is the Year of the Dragon.
那是我的出生年。
Nà shì wǒ de chūshēng nián.
That is my birth year.
What does 年 mean?
How is 年 pronounced?
How do you write "year" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
春节是中国的___节日。(Spring Festival is China's ___ festival.)
今年是马年。 — What does this sentence mean?
Which animal is not part of the Chinese Zodiac?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Frequently asked questions about the word 年
'Last year' is '去年' (qùnián).
The character is still '年' (nián) in both simplified and traditional Chinese.
'年' can also refer to a person's age or be used in the context of harvests.
Today's Mandarin word: 年 (nián) — year.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉