Recent years of the Monkey: 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956.
The Monkey is the ninth of 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. A Monkey year occurs every 12 years.
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Zodiac Monkey Years
In China, people born in a year of the Monkey are called "Monkeys". Usually, if you were born in a year matching the corresponding 12-year cycle, such as 1980, you're a Monkey. (Handy hint: AD Monkey years are multiples of 12: think "12 Monkeys".)
Zodiac years, however, are generally dated by the Chinese lunar calendar (starting at Chinese New Year).
Therefore, if you were born in January or February, check below to see whether you're really a Monkey.
You can use our free Chinese zodiac sign calculator tool to find your zodiac animal sign or see the table below.
| Monkey Year | When | Type of Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | February 6, 1932 – January 25, 1933 | Water Monkey |
| 1944 | January 24, 1944 – February 12, 1945 | Wood Monkey |
| 1956 | February 12, 1956 – January 30, 1957 | Fire Monkey |
| 1968 | January 30, 1968 – February 16, 1969 | Earth Monkey |
| 1980 | February 16, 1980 – February 4, 1981 | Gold Monkey |
| 1992 | February 4, 1992 – January 22, 1993 | Water Monkey |
| 2004 | January 22, 2004 – February 8, 2005 | Wood Monkey |
| 2016 | February 8, 2016 – January 27, 2017 | Fire Monkey |
| 2028 | January 26, 2028 – February 12, 2029 | Earth Monkey |
Monkey's Personality: sharp, smart, but naughty.
People born in a year of the Monkey have magnetic personalities and are witty and intelligent. Personality traits like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness make them very naughty.
Monkeys are masters of practical jokes, because they like playing most of the time. Although they don't have bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurt other people's feelings.
Monkeys are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, others don't trust their sly, restless, and inquisitive nature.
Although they are clever and creative, Monkeys can't always exhibit their talents properly. They like to accept challenges and prefer urban life to rural life.
Lucky Things for People Born in a Year of the Monkey
Lucky Things for Monkeys:
- Lucky numbers: 4 and 9
- Lucky days: the 14th and 28th of any Chinese lunar calendar month
- Lucky colors: white, blue, gold
- Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, crape myrtle
- Lucky directions: north, northwest, west
- Lucky months: the 8th and 12th Chinese lunar months
Unlucky Things for Monkeys:
- Unlucky numbers: 2 and 7
- Unlucky colors: red, pink
- Unlucky directions: south, southeast
- Unlucky months: the 7th and 11th Chinese lunar months
Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water Monkeys
In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a Chinese zodiac animal sign and one of the Five Elements: Fire, Wood, Water, Gold (Metal), or Earth. Both the sign and the element of your birth year are said to affect your personality and destiny. Element-sign combinations recur every 60 years:
| The Five Monkeys | Year of Birth | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Monkey | 2016, 1956 | Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable |
| Wood Monkey | 2004, 1944 | Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn |
| Water Monkey | 1992, 1932 | Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty |
| Gold Monkey | 1980, 2040 | Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn |
| Earth Monkey | 1968, 2028 | Frank, optimistic, and fearless |
See Chinese Zodiac Monkeys of 5 Elements: Characters and Destinies.
Monkeys' Love Compatibility
Love compatibility within the Chinese zodiac takes into account the unique characteristics of each animal. Only those whose characteristics match each other well can be good partners. See below the compatibility of the Monkey with other animals.
- Best with: Rat, Dragon, or Dog
- Worst with: Ox or Tiger
Want to know if she/he is compatible with you? Use our zodiac love compatibility calculator below. Or you can check the 12 Chinese zodiac signs' love compatibility in detail.
Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Calculator
Monkeys' Horoscope for 2023
2023 is a year of the Rabbit. Monkeys, your overall horoscope for 2023 includes plenty of ups and downs.
You are forecast twists and turns in your career fortunes, mainly because of problems in interpersonal relationships. In terms of earnings, because of your unstable career fortune, your income will decrease a lot. As long as you do your job well and show your excellent ability, you can outshine the criticism and be recognized by everyone.
In 2023, the relational fortune of you Monkeys will show an overall upward trend. Your self-confidence will increase, and your whole person will become more radiant. Monkey people who already have a partner, your relationship with your partner will heat up this year.
Read more on Monthly Horoscope for Monkeys.
Best-Suited Careers for Monkeys
Monkeys work very hard in their careers. They can adapt well to different working environments.
Good career choices for Monkeys are: accounting and banking, science, engineering, stock market trading, air traffic control, film directing, jewelry, and sales.
How to Build Relationships with Monkeys
Monkeys are not very quick to settle down into relationships, as they tend to be promiscuous and easily bored. Once Monkeys find the perfect partner, however, they commit to him/her in every possible way. Since Monkeys are sociable and love to talk, it's easy to relate to them.
How Monkeys Should Keep Healthy
Usually Monkeys are very healthy, partly due to their active lifestyles, and their drive to experience different flavors of life. If they do experience illness, it is usually of the nervous or circulatory system.
People born in a year of the Monkey often spend more time at work than average. To save energy, Monkeys need to remember to take breaks during their busy schedules.
Since Monkeys usually do more outdoor activities, they should pay special attention to safety; also while traveling or driving.
Famous Monkeys
| Famous Monkey | Birth Date | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo da Vinci | 15 April 1452 | a Water Monkey |
| Tom Hanks | July 9, 1956 | a Fire Monkey |
| Kylie Minogue | May 28, 1968 | an Earth Monkey |
| Will Smith | September 15, 1968 | an Earth Monkey |
| Justin Timberlake | January 31, 1981 | a Gold Monkey |
