本命年

běnmìngnián

noun

Meanings

1 one's zodiac year (every 12th year matching one's birth animal)
2 traditionally considered an unlucky year requiring protective measures

Characters

Examples

今年是我的本命年，得穿红色。

Jīnnián shì wǒ de běnmìngnián, děi chuān hóngsè.

This is my zodiac year, I have to wear red.

本命年要小心，别做大决定。

Běnmìngnián yào xiǎoxīn, bié zuò dà juédìng.

In your zodiac year be careful, don't make big decisions.

Tips

culture

Every 12 years — age 12, 24, 36, 48… — you hit your 本命年. Tradition says it brings bad luck (犯太岁), so people wear red underwear, red socks, or red bracelets all year to ward it off. A gift of red items from elders is standard.

Stroke Order

本 běn

命 mìng

年 nián