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TL;DR: Hợi (Pig) is the 12th of the 12 zodiac branches, and the branch element is Water; folk tradition links the Pig with sincerity, generosity and a prosperous life. In the folk compatibility tables, Hợi matches Cat (Mão) and Goat (Mùi) as a three-harmony trio and Tiger (Dần) as a six-harmony pair; it is unfavourable with Snake (Tỵ, clash) and Monkey (Thân, harm). Tiger (Dần) is a six-harmony partner but also shares the four-clash group with Hợi, so the tables disagree on this pair. Recent lunar birth years: 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, next 2031.
What does Hợi mean in the 12 zodiac animals?
Hợi is the twelfth and final earthly branch in the 12-animal zodiac cycle, symbolized by the Pig. It corresponds to the tenth lunar month and the hours between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., when all things settle into deep sleep after a long day. As the branch that closes the cycle, Hợi carries the meaning of fulfillment, accumulation and preparation for a new beginning ahead.
In East Asian culture, the pig has long symbolized abundance, plenty and good fortune in wealth. Images of a "plump pig" or a thrifty piggy bank are both tied to the idea of ample resources and a carefree, comfortable life.
Recent Pig birth years include 1995 (Ất Hợi), 2007 (Đinh Hợi) and 2019 (Kỷ Hợi); the next Pig year is 2031 (Tân Hợi).
What is the personality of people born in the Year of the Pig?
In folk belief, people born in the year of the Pig are described as sincere, generous and open-hearted toward those around them. They live emotionally, don't calculate gains and losses, and are always ready to help others without expecting anything in return. This genuine, kind-hearted nature makes Pig people well-loved and trusted by many.
On the strength side, folk belief credits Pig people with an optimistic spirit, a knack for enjoying life, and calm in the face of difficulty. They are also hardworking and responsible, striving to see every task through to completion.
However, the same folk description holds that their trusting and generous nature can sometimes leave Pig people vulnerable to being taken advantage of or shortchanged in relationships, particularly financially. They also tend to avoid conflict, compromise too readily, and sometimes lack the assertiveness needed to protect their own interests. Learning to judge people more clearly and knowing when to say "no" will help Pig people avoid unnecessary losses.
What is the Pig's core Five Element?
In the traditional five-element mapping, Hợi belongs to Water, symbolizing softness, tolerance and the flexible adaptability of a flowing stream. This quality is used to explain the sincerity, magnanimity and altruism attributed to Pig people.
This is the fixed element of the Hợi branch itself; a person's Nạp Âm destiny element also depends on the Heavenly Stem of the birth year:
| Birth year | Stem and branch | Nạp Âm | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Ất Hợi | Sơn Đầu Hỏa (Fire on the Hilltop) | Fire |
| 2007 | Đinh Hợi | Ốc Thượng Thổ (Earth on the Roof) | Earth |
| 2019 | Kỷ Hợi | Bình Địa Mộc (Wood of the Plain) | Wood |
| 2031 | Tân Hợi | Thoa Xuyến Kim (Gold of Hairpin and Bracelet) | Metal |
Notably, when Hợi joins Mão (Cat) and Mùi (Goat) in the harmony trio, the three branches together form a "Wood bureau" (Mộc cục), distinct from Hợi's individual Water nature. Five-element theory explains this through the generative cycle: Water nourishes Wood, so when Hợi joins Mão and Mùi, its Water is seen as the foundation that nurtures the whole trio.
What is the harmony trio and four-way clash for the Pig?
Harmony trio: Pig, Cat and Goat
Under the harmony trio, Pig people are held to share a favorable bond with Cat and Goat people. This harmony trio stands out for deep emotional connection, mutual support and understanding. Cat brings refinement, Goat brings warmth, and Pig reinforces the group with sincerity and generosity, forming a harmonious, tightly-knit team.
Four-way clash: Tiger, Monkey, Snake and Pig
Conversely, Hợi belongs to the four-way clash group with Dần (Tiger), Thân (Monkey) and Tỵ (Snake). Snake and Pig in particular form a direct opposition pair, representing the contrast between the Pig's honest, straightforward nature and the Snake's cunning, calculating wisdom. When partnering or marrying into the Tiger, Monkey or Snake signs, Pig people should be more careful about placing trust and avoid being overly credulous.
What advice is there for people born in the Year of the Pig?
Given the sincerity, generosity and optimism attributed to the sign, Pig people are often advised toward people-centered fields such as education, healthcare, service industries or charitable work. To better protect themselves in work and life, Pig people should cultivate clearer judgment, learn to distinguish kindness from naivety, and build relationships that are genuinely healthy and sustainable.
Quick-Reference Table: the Pig sign
| Aspect | Content |
|---|---|
| Animal | Pig |
| Element of the branch | Water |
| Hour range | 21h-23h |
| Best-matched trio | Mão, Mùi |
| Clashing group of four | Dần, Thân, Tỵ |
| Harm pair | Thân |
Figures in this table match the results of the lookup tools on Nhật Nguyệt.
