The Rooster: The Punctual Tenth Sign
鸡 · jī — the 10th sign of the zodiac
Rooster Personality
Observant, confident, and hardworking, Roosters are the perfectionists of the zodiac. They have sharp attention to detail and strong organizational skills, and they take pride in their appearance and work. Their frankness can sometimes come across as critical.
Love & Relationships
Roosters are devoted partners who show love through acts of service and loyalty. They match well with Snakes, Oxen, and Dragons; Rabbits, Dogs, and Rats may clash with their directness.
Career & Money
Roosters excel in precision-driven roles — accounting, editing, fashion, and management. Their discipline and eye for detail make them outstanding operators.
Rooster Birth Years
The Rooster year runs from one Chinese New Year to the next, not from January 1. Use the exact lunar ranges below to confirm your sign.
| Year | Lunar Year Range |
|---|---|
| 2029 | Feb 13, 2029 – Feb 3, 2030 |
| 2017 | Jan 28, 2017 – Feb 16, 2018 |
| 2005 | Feb 9, 2005 – Jan 29, 2006 |
| 1993 | Jan 23, 1993 – Feb 10, 1994 |
| 1981 | Feb 5, 1981 – Jan 25, 1982 |
| 1969 | Feb 17, 1969 – Feb 6, 1970 |
Born between Jan 1 and the Chinese New Year? Use the calculator with your full birth date for a precise result.
Your Birth Year Element
Your animal sign stays the same for life, but each birth year also carries its own heavenly-stem element — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. A 2005 Fire Rooster and a 2017 Fire Rooster share the same sign, yet the element shapes how that nature shows up in personality and fortune.
| Birth Year | Element | Trait Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 丁 · Fire | Passionate, energetic, adventurous |
| 1969 | 己 · Earth | Practical, stable, nurturing |
| 1981 | 辛 · Metal | Strong, determined, independent |
| 1993 | 癸 · Water | Intuitive, flexible, persuasive |
| 2005 | 乙 · Wood | Creative, generous, idealistic |
| 2017 | 丁 · Fire | Passionate, energetic, adventurous |
The stem-and-branch cycle repeats every 60 years. For a deeper look at how your element shapes your year, month, day, and hour of birth, try the BaZi Calculator or explore the five elements in detail.
Rooster — 2026 Horoscope
Precision and diligence elevate the Rooster in 2026. Career recognition arrives. Balance ambition with family time.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which begins February 17, 2026. For deeper annual guidance covering career, love, health, and wealth, explore the full 2026 horoscope guide or calculate your personal BaZi chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the birth years of the Rooster sign?
Roosters are born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029. In lunar calendar terms, the most recent Rooster years run Feb 13, 2029 – Feb 3 and Jan 28, 2017 – Feb 16. If you were born in January or February, check the exact Chinese New Year date — your sign may belong to the previous year.
What element is the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac?
The Rooster is a Metal sign (Yin). Metal people are generally strong, determined, independent. The element combines with your animal to refine your personality: for example, a Metal Rooster has a distinct temperament compared to Water Roosters born in other cycles.
Who is the Rooster most compatible with?
Traditionally, the Rooster matches best with Ox, Snake, Dragon. Relationships with Rabbit, Dog, Rat may require more effort but can still thrive with understanding and compromise.
Is the Rooster lucky in 2026?
For Roosters, 2026 (the Fire Horse year) brings mixed energy. Precision and diligence elevate the Rooster in 2026. Career recognition arrives. Balance ambition with family time. For a sign-specific reading, combine this general guidance with your exact birth date using our BaZi Calculator.
What does the Rooster sign symbolize?
In Chinese culture, the Rooster represents punctuality, diligence, and confidence. 鸡 (jī) is the tenth sign of the 12-year cycle.