twelve Chinese zodiac signs
Refers to the twelve earthly branches used in the Chinese zodiac: 子, 丑, 寅, 卯, 辰, 巳, 午, 未, 申, 酉, 戌, 亥. Often used in contexts of years, directions, and time.
The twelve zodiac signs are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar.
彼は十二支の話を詳しく説明してくれた。
He explained the story of the twelve zodiac signs in detail.
From 十二 (twelve) + 支 (branch), referring to the twelve earthly branches of the Chinese zodiac system.