noun
earthly branches
The 12 earthly branches of the Chinese zodiac, used in combination with the 10 heavenly stems (十干) to form the sexagenary cycle. Often encountered in traditional calendar, astrology, and historical contexts.
See also: 十二支
十二支は、子・丑・寅・卯・辰・巳・午・未・申・酉・戌・亥の地支から成る。
The twelve zodiac signs consist of the earthly branches: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.