Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake is 蛇年 (shé nián), the 6th sign of the twelve. The most recent Snake year began on 29 January 2025 (2025). The snake is often called the 小龙, the little dragon, when people talk about the zodiac, which softens a sign some find unappealing. In folk stories it is linked with wisdom and mystery, as in the Legend of the White Snake.
Snake years
| Year | Runs | Element and animal | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29 January 2025 to 16 February 2026 | Wood Snake | 乙巳 yǐ sì |
| 2013 | 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014 | Water Snake | 癸巳 guǐ sì |
| 2001 | 24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002 | Metal Snake | 辛巳 xīn sì |
| 1989 | 6 February 1989 to 26 January 1990 | Earth Snake | 己巳 jǐ sì |
| 1977 | 18 February 1977 to 6 February 1978 | Fire Snake | 丁巳 dīng sì |
| 1965 | 2 February 1965 to 20 January 1966 | Wood Snake | 乙巳 yǐ sì |
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 Snake in Chinese tradition
- traditionally said to be wise
- associated with intuition and calm
- said to be private and thoughtful
- sometimes described as secretive
These are folk beliefs, not findings. Treat them as culture, not prediction.
Saying it in Chinese
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 我属蛇 | wǒ shǔ shé | I was born in the Year of the Snake | 属 + animal gives your sign |
| 蛇年 | shé nián | the Year of the Snake | animal + 年 names the year |
| 小龙 | xiǎo lóng | little dragon | a polite nickname for the Snake sign, as in 我属小龙 |
| 毒蛇 | dú shé | venomous snake | 毒 means poison |
Idioms with 蛇
| Idiom | Pinyin | Literally | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 画蛇添足 | huà shé tiān zú | to draw a snake and add feet | To ruin something by adding what it does not need. |
| 打草惊蛇 | dǎ cǎo jīng shé | to beat the grass and startle the snake | To act carelessly and alert the person you are after. |
| 杯弓蛇影 | bēi gōng shé yǐng | a bow's reflection in a cup mistaken for a snake | To be frightened by something imaginary. |
Compatibility
Best matches (三合): Ox 牛 and Rooster 鸡. Secret friend (六合): Monkey 猴. Clash (六冲): Pig 猪. 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 Horse
- Year of the Goat
- Year of the Monkey
- Year of the Rooster
- Year of the Dog
- Year of the Pig
- All twelve signs
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Snake called the little dragon?
Snakes and dragons look alike, and calling the sign 小龙 is a traditional, more flattering way to say it. Some people say 我属小龙 rather than 我属蛇.
Is the Year of the Snake unlucky?
No, tradition does not treat it as unlucky; it is associated with wisdom and careful planning. Any idea of a lucky or unlucky year is folk belief.
What years are Snake years?
Snake years include 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965. Each starts at Chinese New Year and the next one begins twelve years later.
Which signs suit the Snake?
Tradition names Ox 牛 and Rooster 鸡 as the best matches, Monkey 猴 as the secret friend and Pig 猪 as the clash. All twelve signs.
How do you say "I am a Snake" in Chinese?
我属蛇 (wǒ shǔ shé). 属 means "to belong to": you belong to the 蛇 year.
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