Vietnamese astrology, also known as Tử Vi, is a rich and fascinating tradition that blends ancient Eastern philosophy with cultural identity. At the heart of this system lies the Lunar Zodiac, a 12-year cycle of animals that are believed to shape your destiny, personality, relationships, and even your career path. If you’ve ever wondered what your birth year animal says about you — beyond just being “born in the year of the Dragon” — this guide is for you.
In this introduction to Vietnamese astrology, we’ll explore the core concepts, uncover the traits of each zodiac sign, and show you how to apply these insights to your daily life.
What Is Vietnamese Astrology?
Vietnamese astrology is deeply rooted in Lunar Calendar traditions and influenced by both Chinese astrology and native Vietnamese beliefs. Each year in the 12-year cycle is associated with a specific animal sign — known as the con giáp — along with one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water).
The combination of your animal sign and element gives you a unique personality blueprint, which can be used to guide important life decisions in love, career, health, and beyond.
Unlike Western astrology which focuses on the month and day of birth, Vietnamese astrology emphasizes the year you were born — specifically your lunar year.
The 12 Vietnamese Zodiac Animals (Con Giáp)
Each zodiac animal represents a specific set of personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility tendencies. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Rat (Tý)
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Years: 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
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Traits: Intelligent, resourceful, quick-witted
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Weaknesses: Stubborn, secretive
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Compatibility: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
2. Ox (Sửu)
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Years: 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
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Traits: Reliable, hardworking, grounded
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Weaknesses: Rigid, conservative
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Compatibility: Rat, Snake, Rooster
3. Tiger (Dần)
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Years: 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
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Traits: Brave, competitive, charismatic
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Weaknesses: Impulsive, hot-tempered
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Compatibility: Horse, Dog
4. Cat (Mão) (Note: In Vietnamese astrology, the Rabbit is replaced by the Cat)
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Years: 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
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Traits: Graceful, intuitive, kind
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Weaknesses: Overly cautious, shy
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Compatibility: Goat, Pig, Dog
5. Dragon (Thìn)
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Years: 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
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Traits: Ambitious, confident, energetic
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Weaknesses: Arrogant, demanding
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Compatibility: Rat, Monkey, Rooster
6. Snake (Tỵ)
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Years: 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
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Traits: Wise, mysterious, strategic
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Weaknesses: Distrustful, possessive
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Compatibility: Ox, Rooster
7. Horse (Ngọ)
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Years: 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
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Traits: Energetic, independent, adventurous
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Weaknesses: Impatient, impulsive
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Compatibility: Tiger, Dog, Goat
8. Goat (Mùi)
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Years: 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
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Traits: Artistic, compassionate, calm
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Weaknesses: Indecisive, moody
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Compatibility: Cat, Horse, Pig
9. Monkey (Thân)
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Years: 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
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Traits: Clever, curious, witty
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Weaknesses: Mischievous, inconsistent
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Compatibility: Rat, Dragon, Snake
10. Rooster (Dậu)
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Years: 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
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Traits: Confident, detail-oriented, ambitious
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Weaknesses: Perfectionist, critical
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Compatibility: Ox, Snake, Dragon
11. Dog (Tuất)
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Years: 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
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Traits: Loyal, honest, protective
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Weaknesses: Anxious, judgmental
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Compatibility: Tiger, Horse, Cat
12. Pig (Hợi)
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Years: 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
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Traits: Generous, kind, patient
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Weaknesses: Naive, overindulgent
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Compatibility: Goat, Cat
The Power of the Can Chi System (Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches)
Vietnamese astrology goes beyond the animal sign. Each year is also assigned a Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch — forming what’s known as the Can Chi system.
There are 10 Heavenly Stems (Giáp, Ất, Bính, Đinh, Mậu, Kỷ, Canh, Tân, Nhâm, Quý) and 12 Earthly Branches (corresponding to the 12 animals). Together, they create a 60-year cycle that defines your elemental identity and deeper karmic traits.
For example:
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Giáp Tý (Wood Rat)
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Tân Mùi (Metal Goat)
Understanding your full Can Chi combination provides a more complete picture of your destiny, emotional tendencies, and life purpose.
How Vietnamese Astrology Impacts Your Life
💖 Love & Relationships
Your zodiac sign heavily influences compatibility. Couples who match well (like Cat and Pig or Dragon and Monkey) often find harmony, while mismatched signs (like Tiger and Snake) may face more challenges.
Knowing your partner’s animal sign can help you:
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Communicate better
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Avoid unnecessary conflict
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Celebrate differences
💼 Career & Business
Certain signs are drawn to specific career paths:
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Dragons and Roosters: natural leaders, suited for entrepreneurship
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Cats and Goats: creative fields like design or music
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Snakes and Monkeys: excellent strategists, thrive in finance or tech
Your element also plays a role. For example, Water signs tend to be adaptable and communicative, making them great marketers or teachers.
🧘♂️ Health & Self-Care
Astrology can guide your self-care routines:
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Fire signs need calming activities like yoga or meditation
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Earth signs benefit from nature and grounding routines
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Metal signs thrive with structure and discipline
Vietnamese Astrology vs. Western Astrology
While both systems are spiritual and symbolic, Vietnamese astrology focuses on the year and macro patterns, while Western astrology is more detailed around your day and time of birth. One isn’t better than the other — they offer complementary insights.
Many modern practitioners use both systems to gain a more holistic view of themselves.
Common Misconceptions
Let’s bust a few myths:
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“All people born in the same year are the same.”
→ False. Your element, Can Chi, and time of birth refine your profile. -
“Vietnamese astrology is just Chinese astrology.”
→ Not exactly. While similar, Vietnam replaces the Rabbit with the Cat and has unique cultural interpretations. -
“Astrology is superstition.”
→ For centuries, astrology has been used as a philosophical and psychological tool for self-awareness.
Ready to Decode Your Destiny?
Vietnamese astrology is more than just folklore — it’s a mirror into your soul, relationships, and future. By understanding your Lunar Animal, your element, and your Can Chi, you open the door to deeper self-awareness and alignment with your true path.
📌 Want to Discover Your Full Vietnamese Zodiac Profile?
Try an online Can Chi calculator or consult with a traditional Vietnamese astrologer for a personalized reading. Trust us — it’s worth the insight.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese astrology offers ancient wisdom with modern relevance. Whether you’re seeking love advice, career direction, or a better understanding of yourself, your Lunar Animal holds the keys.
Next time someone asks your zodiac sign — go beyond the basics. Dive deep, share your Can Chi combo, and watch as astrology becomes more than just a conversation starter — it becomes a compass for your life.
