Translation guide
The zodiac is a system of 12 signs used in Western astrology, but in Japanese, the word 'zodiac' can refer to different systems. The most common is the Chinese zodiac (十二支), a 12-year animal cycle. The Western zodiac (黄道十二宮) is also known but less central. This guide helps you choose the right term based on context.
Referring to the 12-year cycle of animals used in East Asian cultures, often associated with birth years.
The formal term for the 12 earthly branches, i.e., the Chinese zodiac signs. Used in calendars and fortune-telling.
十二支は、子・丑・寅・卯・辰・巳・午・未・申・酉・戌・亥です。
The twelve zodiac signs are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
Commonly used to refer to the Chinese zodiac animal of a birth year. More casual than 十二支.
私の干支は辰です。
My zodiac sign is the Dragon.
来年の干支は何ですか？
What is next year's zodiac animal?
Attach to an animal name to say 'year of the ~'. E.g., 辰年 (year of the Dragon).
今年は卯年です。
This year is the Year of the Rabbit.
In casual conversation, simply say the animal name followed by 年 (どし) to indicate the zodiac year.
私は午年です。
I'm a Horse (zodiac).
Referring to the 12 signs of the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology.
The technical term for the Western zodiac signs. Used in astrology contexts.
黄道十二宮には、牡羊座、牡牛座などがあります。
The zodiac includes Aries, Taurus, and so on.
General word for constellation or astrological sign. Most common way to refer to Western zodiac signs in daily life.
Suffix for individual zodiac signs, e.g., 牡羊座 (Aries), 天秤座 (Libra).
彼女は獅子座です。
She is a Leo.
Referring to the band of the sky through which the sun, moon, and planets move, or the system of signs in general.
Loanword from English, used in some astrological or new-age contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
ゾディアックの12サインについて学んでいます。
I'm learning about the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Astronomical term for the zodiacal band. Rare outside scientific contexts.
黄道帯には13の星座が含まれます。
The zodiac includes 13 constellations.
干支 (eto) refers to the Chinese zodiac animals based on birth year. 星座 (seiza) refers to Western astrological signs based on birth month. They are completely different systems. When asking 'What's your zodiac sign?', clarify which one you mean.
干支で言うと、私は午年です。星座で言うと、射手座です。
In terms of the Chinese zodiac, I'm a Horse. In terms of the Western zodiac, I'm a Sagittarius.
The English word 'zodiac' is ambiguous. In Japanese, you must specify whether you mean the Chinese zodiac (十二支/干支) or the Western zodiac (星座/黄道十二宮). Using ゾディアック may cause confusion.
My zodiac sign is Gemini.
星座占いが好きです。
I like zodiac horoscopes.