Year of the Rooster

Chinese zodiac sign Rooster is the 10th zodiac, between the Monkey and the Dog. Chinese Year of the Rooster includes 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017. In China, people believe that Rooster people are characterized by perception, confidence, diligence, and righteousness. In ancient China, the Rooster was used as a synonym for good luck, and also an important way to drive evil away. Moreover, Rooster time, also known as You Shi, is one of the 12 two-hour periods of the day (Shi Chen), starting from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Chinese Zodiac Rooster Years

You could also use the Gregorian calendar to find what your Chinese zodiac sign is. In addition to your birthday in January or February, if so, you might be a Monkey. Chinese zodiac years, also named Ben Ming Nian, need to experience 12 years to form a cycle, which means if born in 1993, you need to wait 12 years until 2005 to embrace the next zodiac year. In Ben Ming Nian, people are deemed to have surprises and opportunities.

Recent Rooster years include 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029. Every zodiac year is related to the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water. But a Ben Mingnian with the same element will come in 60 years apart. 2005 is a Wood Rooster year, and the next Wood Rooster year will be 2065. Check the following dates to determine whether you are a Rooster or not.

Years & Dates for Chinese Zodiac Rooster

Zodiac Rooster Horoscope 2026 (Year of the Horse)

Congratulations to people born in the year of the Rooster. The Chinese horoscope in 2026 tends to be stable, and you’ll gain support from the lucky star, which means you may have good fortune in terms of career and relationships. Remember that you do not blow your own horn when getting help or achieving goals, or you may invite envy from peers.

The Rooster Chinese zodiac in 2026 will gain a lot of opportunities. It is possible to get promotions and pay raises. This year will be a perfect period to make some breakthroughs. Keep yourself away from gossip and conflicts in the workplace. Besides, good luck will show up in love affairs; therefore, it is highly possible for a single Rooster to be in love. Protect yourself against respiratory problems.

Love & Relationships

Rooster people are prone to enjoying stability in 2026, with new encounters in relationships. Single Roosters may have a crush on someone. Besides, being involved in social engagements makes it easier to meet the right one. Rooster couples will maintain a stable condition in relationships, and if both of them are ready, it is the right time to step into marriage. Married Roosters can maintain harmony in marriage and mutually support each other. Moreover, married Rooster people will become more independent in their careers and earn more respect from their spouses.

Career

Boasting impressive performance in their career, the Roosters are blessed by the star “Tiande Guiren”. They will gain more opportunities to get a promotion and appreciation from someone who came before them, especially for Roosters who are fixed in their profession. However, the “Juan She” star may get you involved in rumors and gossip, which may injure your reputation. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a grounded attitude at work and act and speak with caution. When Roosters are faced with challenges, they will act with more perseverance, which enables them to make breakthroughs and achievements in their career.

Wealth

It tends to run smoothly in terms of finances. Roosters can gain rewards through hard work. But your side work or windfall luck is not so good as the major one. High-risk investments are not recommended. Rooster people running their own business tend to gain considerable profits. People in female-oriented fields find it easier to increase their wealth. Zodiac Rooster running businesses have great investment chances. Their ventures can thrive with their experience and sensible judgment. Little expenses will add up due to romance and interpersonal relationships, which makes it hard to save.

Health

The Rooster will reap both in finance and career, which serve as the strong spiritual anchor for Roosters. When it comes to health, you can be generally healthy this year. But vexed by the “Gou Jiao" star, its negative impact mainly reflects on your immune system, which leads to some ailments. Also, Roosters are affected by the Fire Element; you should focus on the respiratory system, like problems in the throat, trachea, and lungs. Additionally, indulgence in nightlife and frequent social engagements lead to irregular schedules and affect your health. It is important to maintain regular routine and avoid overexertion. The elder Rooster people should pay more attention to heart and vascular health and opt for light diets.

Lucky Things for Rooster Zodiac

Lucky Things

Lucky Number: 5, 7, 8
Lucky Colors: brown, gold, yellow
Lucky Flowers: cockscomb, gladiola
Lucky Directions: west, southwest, and northeast

Unlucky Things

Unlucky Numbers: 1, 3, 9
Unlucky Colors: red, white
Unlucky Directions: south, north, east

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Personality Traits

Strengths of Roosters

With a strong ambition, the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac is diligent and unsatisfied with the current situation. They prefer to achieve goals through effort. From work to life, they prefer to stay positive. In workplaces, they tend to be the first ones to arrive at the office and the last ones to leave. Roosters will take on extra tasks and projects and seek a better way to improve efficiency.

Chinese zodiac Rooster traits are enthusiastic. It is easy for them to socialize and treat people sincerely and with friendliness. Roosters prefer to initiate the greeting and share funny stories or topics to get close to others. They are also willing to help people in tough situations.

Chinese zodiac sign Rooster is insightful. They excel at observing details, helping them understand others’ feelings and find problems. Help from Roosters will be provided for the team when mood shifts and working status are perceived.

Weaknesses of Roosters

The Rooster Chinese zodiac focuses more on external recognition and shows vanity sometimes. Too much focus on appearance and achievements may push them to exhibit some unrealistic behavior. They crave admiration, which leads to buying luxuries to show their success. Exaggeration in social situations was used to get others’ attention.

Zodiac Rooster has high standards for people and things surrounding them. Therefore, it is easy to find disadvantages, which may bring pressure to others and dissatisfaction to themselves. In workplaces, they usually have opinions about colleagues’ working outcomes or ways. In daily life, high expectations in terms of environment and service will make it hard to be completely satisfied.

Zodiac Roosters’ mood is easily affected by external factors. Some trivial things and outside judgment may trigger their mood swings. For example, they are excited about compliments from others. Questioning or judgment may lower their spirits. Sometimes, Emotional volatility will affect their decision-making and relationships. It is noted that controlling emotions when being with friends and family can trigger some friction.

Rooster Man Personality

Advantages: Characteristic of Chinese zodiac Rooster men are competitive, seeking the best in many perspectives, which pushes them to challenge themselves and strive for excellence. Refusing mediocrity, they are used to comparing themselves to others. Male Roosters try their best to stand out to win external recognition.

Men born in the year of the Rooster focus more on appearance, which is seen as a sign of respect for other people and a way to express themselves. From delicate outfits to personal hygiene, they prefer to spend more effort dressing up, which reflects their pursuit of quality.

Disadvantages: As mentioned above, a Rooster’s mood is easily affected by the outside world, which is mainly manifested in Rooster men. They may get excited or angry due to some trifles. Sensitivity is the main reason why the mood swings appear. High anticipation will cause extreme happiness or sadness when reality differs from the assumption. However, as quickly as the flash of their mood comes, Rooster men will not immerse themselves in negative emotions for a long time.

Rooster Woman Personality

Advantages: Women born in the year of the Rooster tend to be the best in their fields. Female Roosters with high competence will work hard, even if not satisfied with the job. They are confident and loyal to their duties. Those qualities make them fit nuanced work like editing, proofreading, and research work. Patience and meticulousness make them suitable for being teachers as well.

Rooster women tend to be perfectionists, trying to do things best, which is embodied in their work. Not prefer to do the same thing over and over again; they prefer to do it one time perfectly and make plans in advance.

Disadvantages: Women with the zodiac Rooster show selfishness sometimes, centered on personal interests. The first thing considered is themselves, which makes them rarely put themselves in other people’s shoes.

Rooster women's personality runs hot and cold, leaving it on paper rather than putting it into practice. Once discontented, it shows on the face immediately. Bluntness makes them ignore others’ feelings and dignity, which is also the biggest obstacle in relationships. Besides, naive Rooster women are easy to trust people, while the reality is cruel. Therefore, it is important for female Roosters to cultivate independent judgment.

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Traits Based on Five Elements

According to Chinese tradition, the Five Elements are associated with each zodiac animal, which means there are five types of Roosters with different traits. And each element recurs in 60 years.

Elements of Rooster Personalities Recent Years Wood Rooster Energetic, positive, kind-hearted quick-witted, and empathetic 1945, 2005 Fire Rooster Extroverted, enthusiastic, ambitious, punctual, and faithful to friends 1957, 2017 Earth Rooster Reliable, lovely, trustworthy, generous but conservative 1969, 2029 Gold Rooster Righteous, decisive, rational, good at achieving goals 1921, 1981 Water Rooster Smart, resilient, astute and sensitive but indecisive 1933, 1993

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Compatibility

Each Chinese zodiac animal has various characteristics, which are taken into consideration for love compatibility. Zodiac Rooster is considered insightful, punctual, and extroverted, but self-centered and fastidious sometimes. For this reason, they can be good partners only when finding someone matched with them. See the following content and find out their best mates.

Best Matches: Dragon, Snake, Ox

Rooster and Dragon Compatibility: People born in the year of the Rooster are smart and eloquent, with strong observation and expression. Dragon people are usually big-hearted, with leadership and a pioneer spirit. When the two are together, the Dragon can appreciate the Rooster’s astuteness; on the other hand, the Rooster would be attracted by the Dragon’s energy and ambition.

In terms of career, Dragons can offer resources, and Roosters can utilize these platforms to work things out with joint effort. In the relationship, these groups are thought of as a harmonious group because they can understand and support each other. The Dragon makes the Rooster secure, and the latter brings liveliness to the former.

Rooster and Snake Compatibility: The bull, Snake, and Rooster Chinese zodiac are one of the San He Groups (Triple Combination of Earthly Branches). Snake natives are calm, reliable, and resourceful. And the Rooster is flexible and sociable. They are mutually complementary.

In daily life, the Snake and the Rooster are easy to be friends or partners. For instance, Snake people can calmly analyze the situation, and zodiac Rooster can utilize social skills to gather information and fix problems together. In terms of relationships, the calmness of the zodiac Snake is a good complement to the zodiac Rooster’s liveliness, which makes life joyful and colorful.

Rooster and Ox Compatibility: As mentioned above, the zodiac Ox and Rooster Chinese zodiac form the San He group. The Ox is diligent and responsible. And the Rooster traits are bubbly and outgoing. When gathering, the Ox can make the Rooster feel reliable, and the zodiac Rooster can add vitality to the Ox’s life. In workplaces, the zodiac Ox would finish the basic items, and the Chinese zodiac Rooster can be responsible for creating good vibes.

Worst Matches: Rat, Rabbit, Dog

Rooster and Rat Compatibility: The Chinese zodiac signs Rooster and Rat are considered the Mutual Punishment. Roosters are outgoing and good at presenting themselves with high self-esteem and confidence. Rats are shrewd, but selfish sometimes. Caching the opportunity is their thing.

When being competitors, Rats and Roosters tend to quarrel about interests. The Rooster is prone to win recognition by themselves; however, the Rat prefers to seek profits through opportunities. During the cooperation, the former tends to stick to their own minds, and the latter will make their own way. It is hard to reach an agreement, leading to contradictions.

Rooster and Rabbit Compatibility: From the perspective of earthly branches, the zodiac Rooster and the Rabbit belong to Mutual Opposition. In personality, the Rooster is associated with enthusiasm and bluntness, focusing on efficiency and results. While the Rabbit is gentle and moderate, considering more details and others’ feelings. Due to the differences in personalities, it is hard for them to be aligned.

If responsible for the same project, Zodiac Rooster tends to get started immediately, while the Rabbit needs time to deliberate and perfect it. That is the reason why frictions arise between them. When it comes to relationships, the bluntness of the zodiac Rooster may hurt the Rabbit. And the Rabbit’s indecision will make the Roosters impatient.

Rooster and Dog Compatibility: Chinese zodiac Rooster and zodiac Dog form Mutual Harm. Rooster natives pay attention to appearance and material comforts, pursuing quality of life. Dog people are known as loyal, whose values may generate conflict with Rooster’s.

In daily life, Roosters tend to spend time and money on dressing and entertainment. Zodiac Dogs tend to think those are necessary. While in daily communication, the straightforward expression of the Dog will offend the Rooster. A fastidious attitude to life, in turn, is unacceptable for Dogs.

Career Guide for Rooster People

1. Financial Field
People born in the year of the Rooster are smart and sensitive to figures. In the financial area, no matter whether in a bank, bond, or investment, they can rapidly grasp complicated financial concepts and data. For example, Roosters can take full advantage of perception to analyze trends in financial products. Due to their assertiveness, they are better at grasping the opportunity to cut further losses. Occupations, like financial analysts, consultants, and stockbrokers, are suitable for them.

2. Educational Area
Roosters can consider jobs, such as teachers, educational consultants, or trainers. Because the Rooster has a strong responsibility and patience. They excel at delivering knowledge and paying more attention to students’ growth. Communicative skill helps them build a good relationship with kids’ parents and colleagues.

3. Performing Field
Rooster people are expressive and creative, enjoying being in the limelight. They can show talents in the media industry, like broadcasters and journalists. Because they usually have a clear voice and a strong expression, which is suitable for spreading news.  If the actor, the Rooster, can perfectly build characters through natural talents and confidence.

Rooster in Chinese Culture

1. Image in Ancient Legend
In ancient Chinese mythology, the Rooster was depicted as the transformation of the Chongming Bird (a mythical creature). It looks like a Rooster with two pupils in each eye, singing like a phoenix. Chase the beasts away so that they can not harm people. Later, it was developed as rooster paintings and paper cuttings. And folks pasted them on doors and windows to pray for peace and luck. Therefore, roosters are gradually considered as the Guardian Deity.

The Star-Lord (a character in Journey to the West) is one of the 28 constellations and one of the most powerful deities. His image is huge, showing the perfection of the five virtues. It is said that he used to help Sun Wukong subdue Scorpion Demon.

2. Symbol of Good Luck
In Chinese characters, 鸡(jī) and 吉(jí) have similar pronunciations; therefore, in Chinese culture, it was recognized as symbols of auspiciousness. It is embodied in many traditional artworks. During the Spring Festival, people will paste paper cuttings with rooster characters in windows, which means good luck will come in the new year. Besides, People believe that the peony stands for wealth and the rooster is the symbol of good luck. Therefore, a rooster is usually matched with a peony to symbolize wealth and good fortune.

3. Symbol of Punctuality
The cockcrow means the morning has come. And the Rooster is seen as a punctual animal. Roosters crow every morning, which is associated with punctuality and credibility. In ancient times, people knew the time by cockcrow to schedule farming every day. The idiom to Rise with the Rooster reflects roosters’ diligence and punctuality, inspiring people to value their time and work hard.

4. Function of Driving Evils
In Chinese tradition, the rooster was used to drive evil. The Rooster played an important role in some sacrificial rites. For example, there is a custom called Soul-Guiding Chicken. People believe that a rooster can lead the soul and chase away surrounding evils.

Famous People Born in the Year of the Rooster

Name Date Element of Rooster Ariana Grande June 26, 1993 Water Rooster Beyonce Giselle Knowles September 4, 1981 Gold Rooster Chris Evans June 13, 1981 Gold Rooster Jennifer Aniston February 11, 1969 Earth Rooster Matthew Perry August 19, 1969 Earth Rooster Natalie Portman June 9, 1981 Gold Rooster Philip June 10, 1921 Gold Rooster

Chinese Zodiac Rooster Vocabulary & Idioms

Chinese Pinyin English 生肖 shēng  xiāo Chinese Zodiac 农历生日 nóng  lì  shēng  rì Lunar Birthday 你属什么 nǐ  shǔ  shĕn  me What is you Chinese zodiac animal? 我属鸡 wǒ  shǔ  jī  de I am a Rooster in the Chinese zodiac signs. 呆若木鸡 dāi  ruò  mù  jī Dumbfounded. 鹤立鸡群 hè  lì  jī  qún Stand out from a crowd. 鸡飞狗跳 jī  fēi  gǒu  tiào In a complete mess 鸡鸣狗盗 jī  míng  gǒu  dào cunning or sly behavior 鸡犬不宁 jī  quǎn  bù  níng in a turmoil 鸡犬升天 jī  quǎn  shēng  tiān Even the dogs swaggers when its master wind favor. 金鸡独立 jīn  jī  dú  lì Balance on one foot. 偷鸡摸狗 tōu  jī  mō  gǒu Engage in petty theft and other underhanded activities. 闻鸡起舞 wén  jī  qǐ  wǔ Diligent and industrious at the break of dawn. 小肚鸡肠 xiǎo  dù  jī  cháng Narrow-minded.