羊年
yángnián
Year of the goat
羊年 (yángnián) is the Year of the Goat, also known as the Year of the Sheep or Ram, in the Chinese zodiac. It is one of the twelve animal signs that cycle through the lunar calendar.
What does 羊年 (yángnián) mean?
羊年 (yángnián) means “year of the goat” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “goat year.”
When to use it
Neutral and commonly used when discussing the Chinese zodiac or someone's birth year. When stating one's own zodiac sign, people say 我属羊 (wǒ shǔ yáng), meaning "I belong to the Goat."
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "yahng-nyen." Both syllables are rising (second) tones.
Other ways to say it
- 我属羊wǒ shǔ yángI was born in the Year of the Goat.
- 生肖羊shēngxiào yángzodiac sign: Goat
- 属羊的shǔ yáng desomeone born in the Year of the Goat
Examples
我出生在羊年。
wǒ chūshēng zài yángnián.
I was born in the Year of the Goat.
2027年是羊年。
2027 nián shì yángnián.
2027 is the Year of the Goat.
我属羊，你呢？
wǒ shǔ yáng, nǐ ne?
I was born in the Year of the Goat, how about you?
Pro tip: While often translated as "Year of the Goat," 羊 (yáng) can refer to goats, sheep, or rams. The specific animal is usually understood from context or personal preference.
Related phrases
羊年大吉 · Happy year of the goat喜气洋洋 · Full of joy龙 · Dragon
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