1980 Chinese zodiac: year of the Metal Monkey
1980 was the year of the Metal Monkey in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 16 February 1980 and ended on 4 February 1981.
1980 is the year of the Metal Monkey (Yang). The Chinese year of the Monkey ran from 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981, so anyone born between those dates is a Metal Monkey. Babies born in 1980 before 16 February 1980 belong to the Earth Goat of 1979.
1980 Metal Monkey personality
People born in the year of the Monkey are clever, curious and playful. Their strengths are inventiveness, humour and fast learning; their watch-outs are restlessness and occasional mischief.
The Metal element adds determination, strength and self-discipline, so the Metal Monkey of 1980 combines the Monkey's nature with metal qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Monkey: technology, science, trading, media, engineering.
Born in January or February 1980?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1980, Chinese New Year fell on 16 February 1980.
- Born 16 February 1980 or later in 1980: Metal Monkey.
- Born 1 January – 15 February 1980: Earth Goat (1979 sign).
Monkey compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Rat, Dragon |
| Secret friend | Snake |
| Traditional clash | Tiger |
Other Monkey years
1944, 1956, 1968, 1992, 2004, 2016. The Metal Monkey itself returns in 2040.
Enter your birth date and we place January and February births in the right year. No sign-up, no payment.
Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1980?
The Metal Monkey, for births from 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981.
What if I was born in January or early February 1980?
If you were born before 16 February 1980, your sign is the Earth Goat of 1979, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1980 in the Chinese zodiac?
Metal (Yang). Metal is linked with determination, strength and self-discipline; its colour is white and gold.
Which signs are compatible with the Monkey?
Best matches are the Rat and Dragon, plus the Snake as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Tiger.
When is the next Metal Monkey year?
2040. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1980 in 2026?
They turn 46 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.