The Rooster (鸡, Jī) is the tenth animal in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. Known for its vigilance, confidence, and precision, the Rooster symbolizes punctuality, courage, and outspoken truth in Chinese culture.

People born in the Year of the Rooster are often sharp, witty, and hardworking. They are known for speaking their minds, dressing well, and standing tall—sometimes literally and always metaphorically.

Rooster Zodiac Years

You are likely a Rooster if you were born in one of these years:

Rooster Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029…

Note: Since Chinese zodiac signs are based on the lunar calendar, double-check if your birthday is in January or early February to confirm your sign.

Rooster Personality Traits

Strengths Challenges
Confident and courageous Can be blunt or critical
Hardworking and detail-oriented Sometimes overly perfectionist
Smart and observant Tends to worry or be self-centered
Charismatic and stylish May seem arrogant or boastful

Roosters are natural performers and planners—they notice the small things, strive for excellence, and enjoy structure and discipline in their lives.

Rooster Compatibility

Most Compatible Least Compatible
Ox, Snake, Dragon Rabbit, Dog
  • Best Match: Ox – Both value loyalty, hard work, and long-term goals
  • Good Pairing: Snake – Elegant and intelligent, they share similar ideals
  • Challenging Pair: Rabbit – Rabbit’s softness may clash with Rooster’s directness

Lucky Signs for Roosters

Element Lucky Numbers Lucky Colors Lucky Flowers
Metal (frequent) 5, 7, 8 Gold, brown, yellow Gladiolus, impatiens

Lucky Directions: West and Southwest

Each Rooster year is also tied to one of the Five Elements, influencing personality variations (e.g., Fire Rooster, Earth Rooster).

The Rooster in Chinese Culture

  • Roosters symbolize diligence, punctuality, and honesty. Their early morning crow is associated with order and timekeeping.
  • In ancient Chinese homes, images of roosters were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect against misfortune.
  • In the Zodiac Race Legend, the Rooster joined forces with the Monkey and Goat to build a raft, earning the tenth spot through teamwork and intelligence.

Ideal Careers for Rooster-Born People

Roosters do well in careers that value precision, leadership, and presentation, including:

  • Fashion, design, or modeling
  • Finance, accounting, and law
  • Public speaking, politics, or broadcasting
  • Teaching or academic research
  • Event planning or hospitality

They perform best in organized, high-performance environments where attention to detail matters.

If you're a Rooster, your confidence, discipline, and sharp mind make you a standout in any room. While your honesty can sometimes be blunt, your clarity and ambition often lead to real results and long-term respect. Stay humble, and your talents will shine even brighter.