Year of the Rooster
The Year of the Rooster is 鸡年 (jī nián), the 10th sign of the twelve. The most recent Rooster year began on 28 January 2017 (2017). The next begins on 13 February 2029. The rooster crows at dawn, so it is linked with punctuality, hard work and waking up early. Chicken is also a New Year dish, partly because 鸡 sounds like 吉 (lucky).
鸡 means chicken of either sex; a rooster is 公鸡 and a hen 母鸡.
Rooster years
| Year | Runs | Element and animal | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 13 February 2029 to 2 February 2030 | Earth Rooster | 己酉 jǐ yǒu |
| 2017 | 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018 | Fire Rooster | 丁酉 dīng yǒu |
| 2005 | 9 February 2005 to 28 January 2006 | Wood Rooster | 乙酉 yǐ yǒu |
| 1993 | 23 January 1993 to 9 February 1994 | Water Rooster | 癸酉 guǐ yǒu |
| 1981 | 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982 | Metal Rooster | 辛酉 xīn yǒu |
| 1969 | 17 February 1969 to 5 February 1970 | Earth Rooster | 己酉 jǐ yǒu |
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 Rooster in Chinese tradition
- traditionally said to be hardworking
- associated with being observant and punctual
- said to be confident
- sometimes described as outspoken
These are folk beliefs, not findings. Treat them as culture, not prediction.
Saying it in Chinese
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 我属鸡 | wǒ shǔ jī | I was born in the Year of the Rooster | 属 + animal gives your sign |
| 鸡年 | jī nián | the Year of the Rooster | animal + 年 names the year |
| 公鸡 | gōng jī | rooster | 公 marks the male; the zodiac just says 鸡 |
| 鸡蛋 | jī dàn | egg | the default word for an egg |
Idioms with 鸡
| Idiom | Pinyin | Literally | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 闻鸡起舞 | wén jī qǐ wǔ | to rise and practice the sword at cockcrow | To work hard and with determination from early in the day. |
| 鹤立鸡群 | hè lì jī qún | a crane standing among chickens | Someone who stands out far above those around them. |
| 鸡犬不宁 | jī quǎn bù níng | even the chickens and dogs are unsettled | A state of constant disturbance and unrest. |
Compatibility
Best matches (三合): Ox 牛 and Snake 蛇. Secret friend (六合): Dragon 龙. Clash (六冲): Rabbit 兔. 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 Monkey
- Year of the Dog
- Year of the Pig
- All twelve signs
Frequently asked questions
Is it the Year of the Rooster or the Year of the Chicken?
Both: 鸡 means chicken in general, and English usually says Rooster for the zodiac.
What is the Rooster sign said to be like?
Tradition describes Roosters as hardworking, observant and punctual, and sometimes blunt. These are folk beliefs rather than fact.
What years are Rooster years?
Rooster years include 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969. Each starts at Chinese New Year and the next one begins twelve years later: the next is 2029, starting 13 February 2029.
Which signs suit the Rooster?
Tradition names Ox 牛 and Snake 蛇 as the best matches, Dragon 龙 as the secret friend and Rabbit 兔 as the clash. All twelve signs.
How do you say "I am a Rooster" in Chinese?
我属鸡 (wǒ shǔ jī). 属 means "to belong to": you belong to the 鸡 year.
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