Year of the Tiger
The Year of the Tiger is 虎年 (hǔ nián), the 3rd sign of the twelve. The most recent Tiger year began on 1 February 2022 (2022). The tiger is the king of animals in Chinese tradition, and the pattern on its forehead is often read as the character 王 (king). Tiger-head shoes and hats for small children are a traditional way of wishing them strength and protection.
Tiger years
| Year | Runs | Element and animal | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 February 2022 to 21 January 2023 | Water Tiger | 壬寅 rén yín |
| 2010 | 14 February 2010 to 2 February 2011 | Metal Tiger | 庚寅 gēng yín |
| 1998 | 28 January 1998 to 15 February 1999 | Earth Tiger | 戊寅 wù yín |
| 1986 | 9 February 1986 to 28 January 1987 | Fire Tiger | 丙寅 bǐng yín |
| 1974 | 23 January 1974 to 10 February 1975 | Wood Tiger | 甲寅 jiǎ yín |
| 1962 | 5 February 1962 to 24 January 1963 | Water Tiger | 壬寅 rén yín |
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 Tiger in Chinese tradition
- traditionally said to be brave
- associated with confidence and leadership
- said to be competitive
- sometimes described as impulsive
These are folk beliefs, not findings. Treat them as culture, not prediction.
Saying it in Chinese
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 我属虎 | wǒ shǔ hǔ | I was born in the Year of the Tiger | 属 + animal gives your sign |
| 虎年 | hǔ nián | the Year of the Tiger | animal + 年 names the year |
| 老虎 | lǎo hǔ | tiger | the everyday word; 虎 alone is the zodiac and written form |
| 马虎 | mǎ hu | careless, sloppy | a common adjective; 虎 is read in the neutral tone here |
Idioms with 虎
| Idiom | Pinyin | Literally | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 虎头蛇尾 | hǔ tóu shé wěi | a tiger's head and a snake's tail | Something that starts strongly and fizzles out. |
| 如虎添翼 | rú hǔ tiān yì | like giving wings to a tiger | To make someone who is already strong even stronger. |
| 卧虎藏龙 | wò hǔ cáng lóng | crouching tiger, hidden dragon | A place full of hidden talent. |
Compatibility
Best matches (三合): Horse 马 and Dog 狗. Secret friend (六合): Pig 猪. Clash (六冲): Monkey 猴. This is the traditional scheme, see all twelve signs.
Other signs:
- Year of the Rat
- Year of the Ox
- 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 Rooster
- Year of the Dog
- Year of the Pig
- All twelve signs
Frequently asked questions
What is the Year of the Tiger said to be like?
It is traditionally associated with boldness, energy and big changes. That is a cultural belief rather than a forecast.
Why do Chinese children wear tiger hats and shoes?
The tiger is a traditional symbol of protection and strength, so tiger-head clothing is a folk way of wishing a child good health. You see it most at festivals and in the countryside.
What years are Tiger years?
Tiger years include 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962. Each starts at Chinese New Year and the next one begins twelve years later.
Which signs suit the Tiger?
Tradition names Horse 马 and Dog 狗 as the best matches, Pig 猪 as the secret friend and Monkey 猴 as the clash. All twelve signs.
How do you say "I am a Tiger" in Chinese?
我属虎 (wǒ shǔ hǔ). 属 means "to belong to": you belong to the 虎 year.
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