1981 Chinese zodiac: year of the Metal Rooster
1981 was the year of the Metal Rooster in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 5 February 1981 and ended on 24 January 1982.
1981 is the year of the Metal Rooster (Yin). The Chinese year of the Rooster ran from 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982, so anyone born between those dates is a Metal Rooster. Babies born in 1981 before 5 February 1981 belong to the Metal Monkey of 1980.
1981 Metal Rooster personality
People born in the year of the Rooster are observant, hardworking and honest. Their strengths are precision, confidence and organisation; their watch-outs are perfectionism and bluntness.
The Metal element adds determination, strength and self-discipline, so the Metal Rooster of 1981 combines the Rooster's nature with metal qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.
Careers that suit the Rooster: administration, finance, the military, fashion, PR.
Born in January or February 1981?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1981, Chinese New Year fell on 5 February 1981.
- Born 5 February 1981 or later in 1981: Metal Rooster.
- Born 1 January – 4 February 1981: Metal Monkey (1980 sign).
Rooster compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Ox, Snake |
| Secret friend | Dragon |
| Traditional clash | Rabbit |
Other Rooster years
1945, 1957, 1969, 1993, 2005, 2017. The Metal Rooster itself returns in 2041.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1981?
The Metal Rooster, for births from 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982.
What if I was born in January or early February 1981?
If you were born before 5 February 1981, your sign is the Metal Monkey of 1980, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1981 in the Chinese zodiac?
Metal (Yin). Metal is linked with determination, strength and self-discipline; its colour is white and gold.
Which signs are compatible with the Rooster?
Best matches are the Ox and Snake, plus the Dragon as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Rabbit.
When is the next Metal Rooster year?
2041. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1981 in 2026?
They turn 45 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.