noun
the Monkey; ninth sign of the Chinese zodiac
Refers to the Monkey in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Commonly used in expressions like 申年 (year of the Monkey).
来年は申年です。
Next year is the year of the Monkey.
noun
hour of the Monkey; around 4pm
Obsolete temporal unit in the traditional Chinese time system, corresponding roughly to 3–5pm or 4–6pm. Now only encountered in historical contexts.
See also: 申の刻
申の刻に待ち合わせましょう、と古文書にある。
The old document says, 'Let us meet at the hour of the Monkey.'
noun
west-southwest
Obsolete directional term from the traditional Chinese zodiac-based compass system. Not used in modern navigation.
昔の方位では、申は西南西を指した。
In the old directional system, 申 indicated west-southwest.
noun
7th month of the lunar calendar
Obsolete month name in the traditional lunar calendar. Now only of historical interest.
旧暦では申の月は秋の始まりだった。
In the old lunar calendar, the month of the Monkey marked the beginning of autumn.
猿 means 'monkey' as an animal, while 申 is the zodiac sign or traditional time/direction term.
The kanji 申 originally depicted a bolt of lightning and was later borrowed for the ninth Earthly Branch in the Chinese sexagenary cycle, associated with the Monkey.