What are the personality traits of the Monkey?

The Monkey is commonly described as sharp, smart, curious, and playful. Frequently mentioned strengths include exceptionally clever and witty and versatile and adaptable to any situation.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with the Monkey?

The Monkey usually works most smoothly with Rat and Dragon. Tension is more often noted with Tiger, Pig.

What years belong to the Monkey?

Recent Monkey years include 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028. The cycle repeats every 12 years.

What element is associated with the Monkey?

The Monkey's fixed element is Metal. Each individual Monkey year also carries a yearly element, which is why Fire Monkey and Water Monkey are not read the same way.

Is the Monkey yin or yang?

The Monkey is Yang. Yang signs are usually read as more active and outward.

Monkey Chinese Zodiac Sign

猴 (Hou) · #9 / 12 · Yang · SHEN Branch

⚙️ MetalAutumn · West-Southwest · 3 PM - 5 PM

Monkey Personality Traits

People born in the Year of the Monkey are often described as sharp, smart, curious, and playful. The Monkey ranks #9 in the zodiac cycle and carries the fixed Metal element, which adds determined, disciplined, and ambitious qualities to the reading. As a yang sign, it is usually read as more outward and active.

The Monkey's hour is 3 PM - 5 PM. In traditional reading, that time is linked with the monkey's natural rhythm. It also connects with the SHEN branch, the West-Southwest direction, and the Autumn season.

Strengths

✓Exceptionally clever and witty
✓Versatile and adaptable to any situation
✓Strong problem-solving abilities
✓Magnetic personality and humor
✓Quick learner with diverse talents

Weaknesses

✗Can be mischievous and cunning
✗Tendency toward arrogance
✗Easily bored and restless
✗May lack sincerity
✗Difficulty focusing on one thing

Monkey by Element

Each 12-year cycle pairs the Monkey branch with a different yearly phase. The animal stays the same, but the tone of the reading shifts.

Wood Monkey Wood

Years: 1944, 2004

Wood Monkey is usually read as a Monkey expressed in a more expansive, ideal-driven, and developmental register.

Fire Monkey Fire

Years: 1956, 2016

Fire Monkey is usually read as a Monkey expressed in a more visible, urgent, and expressive register.

Earth Monkey Earth

Years: 1968, 2028

Earth Monkey is usually read as a Monkey expressed in a more grounded, measured, and durable register.

Metal Monkey Metal

Years: 1980

Metal Monkey is usually read as a Monkey expressed in a more disciplined, exacting, and self-controlled register.

Water Monkey Water

Years: 1932, 1992

Water Monkey is usually read as a Monkey expressed in a more perceptive, adaptive, and inwardly strategic register.

Method note: This site uses Lunar New Year as the year boundary for general zodiac-sign pages. Some BaZi schools instead mark the year at Li Chun, so advanced chart interpretations may differ.