Year of the Monkey
The Year of the Monkey is 猴年 (hóu nián), the 9th sign of the twelve. The most recent Monkey year began on 8 February 2016 (2016). The next begins on 26 January 2028. The monkey is linked with cleverness and mischief, above all through Sun Wukong, the Monkey King of the novel Journey to the West. In everyday speech, calling a child a little monkey means they are lively and naughty.
Monkey years
| Year | Runs | Element and animal | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028 | 26 January 2028 to 12 February 2029 | Earth Monkey | 戊申 wù shēn |
| 2016 | 8 February 2016 to 27 January 2017 | Fire Monkey | 丙申 bǐng shēn |
| 2004 | 22 January 2004 to 8 February 2005 | Wood Monkey | 甲申 jiǎ shēn |
| 1992 | 4 February 1992 to 22 January 1993 | Water Monkey | 壬申 rén shēn |
| 1980 | 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981 | Metal Monkey | 庚申 gēng shēn |
| 1968 | 30 January 1968 to 16 February 1969 | Earth Monkey | 戊申 wù shēn |
Born in January or February of one of these years? You may belong to the previous animal: check the start date, or use the calculator.
The Monkey in Chinese tradition
- traditionally said to be clever
- associated with curiosity and wit
- said to be playful
- sometimes described as mischievous
These are folk beliefs, not findings. Treat them as culture, not prediction.
Saying it in Chinese
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 我属猴 | wǒ shǔ hóu | I was born in the Year of the Monkey | 属 + animal gives your sign |
| 猴年 | hóu nián | the Year of the Monkey | animal + 年 names the year |
| 猴子 | hóu zi | monkey | the everyday word; 子 is neutral tone |
| 美猴王 | měi hóu wáng | the Handsome Monkey King | Sun Wukong's title in Journey to the West |
Idioms with 猴
| Idiom | Pinyin | Literally | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 猴年马月 | hóu nián mǎ yuè | the month of the horse in the year of the monkey | An unknown, far-off time; something that may never happen. |
| 杀鸡儆猴 | shā jī jǐng hóu | kill the chicken to warn the monkey | To punish one person as a warning to others. |
Compatibility
Best matches (三合): Rat 鼠 and Dragon 龙. Secret friend (六合): Snake 蛇. Clash (六冲): Tiger 虎. This is the traditional scheme, see all twelve signs.
Other signs:
- Year of the Rat
- Year of the Ox
- Year of the Tiger
- Year of the Rabbit
- Year of the Dragon
- Year of the Snake
- Year of the Horse
- Year of the Goat
- Year of the Rooster
- Year of the Dog
- Year of the Pig
- All twelve signs
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Monkey King?
Sun Wukong (孙悟空), the hero of the classic novel Journey to the West, a monkey with magic powers. He is the best-known monkey in Chinese culture and shapes how the sign is seen.
What is someone born in the Year of the Monkey said to be like?
Tradition says Monkeys are clever, curious and quick to solve problems, with a playful streak. These are folk beliefs, not facts about anyone's character.
What years are Monkey years?
Monkey years include 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968. Each starts at Chinese New Year and the next one begins twelve years later: the next is 2028, starting 26 January 2028.
Which signs suit the Monkey?
Tradition names Rat 鼠 and Dragon 龙 as the best matches, Snake 蛇 as the secret friend and Tiger 虎 as the clash. All twelve signs.
How do you say "I am a Monkey" in Chinese?
我属猴 (wǒ shǔ hóu). 属 means "to belong to": you belong to the 猴 year.
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