申
Meanings
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).
Next year is the year of the Monkey.
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
The old document says, 'Let us meet at the hour of the Monkey.'
west-southwest
Obsolete directional term from the traditional Chinese zodiac-based compass system. Not used in modern navigation.
In the old directional system, 申 indicated west-southwest.
7th month of the lunar calendar
Obsolete month name in the traditional lunar calendar. Now only of historical interest.
In the old lunar calendar, the month of the Monkey marked the beginning of autumn.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は申年生まれだsomeone was born in the year of the Monkey
He was born in the year of the Monkey, so this year is his zodiac year.