Zodiac Sign in Chinese: Western 12 Signs VS Chinese Zodiac
Have you ever wondered how to say your zodiac sign in Chinese? In Mandarin, zodiac signs are called 星座 (xīng zuò), and they are very different from the Chinese Zodiac animals (shēng xiào). For example, Aries in Chinese is 白羊座 (bái yáng zuò), while Libra is 天秤座 (tiān chèng zuò).
The Chinese and Western zodiac are two fascinating ways to understand personality, time, and traditions. For kids learning Chinese, these zodiacs are more than fun stories, they are language tools. Children can practice vocabulary, pinyin, and everyday conversation while exploring cultural comparisons. At WuKong Education, our courses bring these lively topics into the classroom, helping children learn Chinese in interactive, memorable ways.
What is Zodiac Sign in Chinese?
In Mandarin, the word for zodiac sign is 星座 (xīng zuò). Literally, it means “star constellation.” Western zodiac signs come from astrology traditions based on the stars’ positions.
Here’s a basic question kids can learn in Chinese:
你的星座是什么？(Nǐ de xīng zuò shì shén me?)
What is your zodiac sign?
Western Zodiac vs. Chinese Zodiac
The Western Zodiac (星座 xīng zuò) has 12 signs based on constellations (like Aries, Taurus, Leo).
The Chinese Zodiac (生肖 shēng xiào) also has 12 signs but based on years (like Tiger, Dragon, Rabbit).
12 Zodiac Signs in Chinese
Below is a full list of the Western zodiac signs in Chinese, with their characters, pinyin, English names, dates, and personality traits.
12 Zodiac Signs in Chinese:
| English Sign | Chinese (汉字) | Pinyin | Dates | Element | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aries | 白羊座 | báiyángzuò | Mar 21 – Apr 19 | Fire | Energetic, bold |
| Taurus | 金牛座 | jīnniúzuò | Apr 20 – May 20 | Earth | Reliable, patient |
| Gemini | 双子座 | shuāngzǐzuò | May 21 – Jun 20 | Air | Curious, adaptable |
| Cancer | 巨蟹座 | jùxièzuò | Jun 21 – Jul 22 | Water | Caring, sensitive |
| Leo | 狮子座 | shīzǐzuò | Jul 23 – Aug 22 | Fire | Confident, creative |
| Virgo | 处女座 | chǔnǚzuò | Aug 23 – Sep 22 | Earth | Practical, detail-oriented |
| Libra | 天秤座 | tiān chèng zuò | Sep 23 – Oct 22 | Air | Fair, diplomatic |
| Scorpio | 天蝎座 | tiān xiē zuò | Oct 23 – Nov 21 | Water | Passionate, intense |
| Sagittarius | 射手座 | shè shǒu zuò | Nov 22 – Dec 21 | Fire | Adventurous, optimistic |
| Capricorn | 摩羯座 | mó jié zuò | Dec 22 – Jan 19 | Earth | Ambitious, disciplined |
| Aquarius | 水瓶座 | shuǐpíng zuò | Jan 20 – Feb 18 | Air | Independent, innovative |
| Pisces | 双鱼座 | shuāng yú zuò | Feb 19 – Mar 20 | Water | Dreamy, empathetic |
How to Use Zodiac Signs in Conversation
Zodiac vocabulary is easy to bring into everyday Mandarin conversations. Children can practice not just words but whole sentences.
Example Sentences:
我是天秤座。(Wǒ shì tiān chèng zuò.) – I am a Libra.
你喜欢什么星座的人？(Nǐ xǐhuān shén me xīng zuò de rén?) – Which zodiac sign do you like?
狮子座的人很自信。(Shīzǐzuò de rén hěn zìxìn.) – People with the Leo sign are confident.
Differences and Similarities Between Chinese and Western Zodiac
Western zodiac (星座) and Chinese zodiac (生肖) are often compared.
Western Zodiac:
- About personality, based on stars and constellations.
Divided into 12 months according to the sun’s position.
Includes constellations like Aries, Virgo, and Pisces.
Often used for personality insights and horoscopes.
Chinese Zodiac:
- About years and cycles, tied to cultural traditions like Chinese New Year.
Based on a 12-year cycle.
Each year is represented by an animal (Rat, Ox, Tiger, etc.).
Both systems predict personality traits and life tendencies. As Tarot.com notes, the Western zodiac emphasizes personal identity, while Hindustan Times highlights how the Chinese zodiac reflects cycles of time and family traditions. Together, they give kids a rich way to explore language and culture.
Chinese and Western Zodiac Equivalents Chart
People often ask: Is there a Western zodiac equivalent to each Chinese zodiac animal? While not exact, astrologers suggest playful comparisons. Below is a chart that pairs them, with Chinese names, pinyin, English translations, and personality traits.
Chinese and Western Zodiac Equivalents:
| Chinese Zodiac | Pinyin | Western Equivalent | Traits (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 鼠 (Rat) | shǔ | Aries (白羊座 bái yáng zuò) | Clever, energetic, bold |
| 牛 (Ox) | niú | Taurus (金牛座 jīn niú zuò) | Strong, reliable, patient |
| 虎 (Tiger) | hǔ | Leo (狮子座 shī zǐzuò) | Brave, confident, creative |
| 兔 (Rabbit) | tù | Pisces (双鱼座 shuāng yú zuò) | Gentle, empathetic, artistic |
| 龙 (Dragon) | lóng | Sagittarius (射手座 shè shǒu zuò) | Adventurous, charismatic |
| 蛇 (Snake) | shé | Scorpio (天蝎座 tiān xiē zuò) | Wise, mysterious, intense |
| 马 (Horse) | mǎ | Gemini (双子座 shuāng zǐzuò) | Energetic, adaptable, talkative |
| 羊 (Goat) | yáng | Cancer (巨蟹座 jù xiè zuò) | Caring, sensitive, nurturing |
| 猴 (Monkey) | hóu | Aquarius (水瓶座 shuǐpíng zuò) | Playful, innovative, witty |
| 鸡 (Rooster) | jī | Virgo (处女座 chǔnǚzuò) | Practical, detail-oriented |
| 狗 (Dog) | gǒu | Libra (天秤座 tiān chèng zuò) | Loyal, fair, diplomatic |
| 猪 (Pig) | zhū | Capricorn (摩羯座 mó jié zuò) | Honest, ambitious, disciplined |
Sources: Primal Astrology, i.thehoroscope.co
Mixed Zodiac Analysis: 144 Fun Combinations
When you combine the 12 Chinese animals with the 12 Western constellations, you get 144 possible combinations! Each mix creates unique personality descriptions.
For example (Just for fun!):
Dragon + Leo = ambitious, powerful, born leader.
Rabbit + Pisces = gentle, dreamy, creative thinker.
Snake + Scorpio = mysterious, wise, and intense.
Conclusion
Learning zodiac signs in Chinese (星座 xīng zuò) is a fun and engaging way for kids to connect with language and culture. By practicing characters, pinyin, and conversations, children build vocabulary while exploring personality traits and traditions.
At WuKong Education, we make learning interactive with games, stories, and cultural comparisons.
Join WuKong Education’s Chinese courses today to start exploring!
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I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.
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