Japanese Zodiac Calendar - Calendar Animals

In this lesson, we'll take a closer look at the Japanese Zodiac and the animals in the Japanese Zodiac calendar. Take notes as you go over the new materials. Clarify any questions you might have by contacting your instructor.

Culture Video: 十二支

The following video covers more information about the Japanese Zodiac Calendar, including information about the animals of the calendar. Please watch carefully and take notes. Additional information can be found below the video, along with a printable transcript.

Download a printable version of the Japanese Zodiac Calendar Culture Video Presentation.

Advanced: Research the twelve animals in the Japanese Zodiac and find some personal traits associated with each of the 12 animals. Consider whether your zodiac traits match your personality.

Culture Video Quick Notes

The Years and the Animals of the Zodiac are listed below as follows: Name of the Year, English Animal Name, (and Japanese Name of Animal).

子(ね)：Rat (ねずみ)
丑(うし)：Ox or Bull (うし)
寅(と)：Tiger (とら)
卯(う)：Rabbit (うさぎ)
辰(たつ)：Dragon (りゆう)
巳(み)：Snake (へび)
午(うま)：Horse (うま)
未(ひつじ)：Sheep or Ram (ひつじ)
申(さる)：Monkey (さる)
酉(とり)：Rooster (にわとり)
犬(いぬ)：Dog (いぬ)
亥(い)：Hog (いのしし)

Final Thoughts and Practice: The Zodiac

We covered quite a lot of ground in this lesson. Be sure to take careful notes on the information in each section and contact your instructor with any follow-up questions.

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