The 2003 Chinese zodiac sign is the Goat, also known as the Sheep or Ram. People born during the Water Sheep year belong to one of the twelve Chinese zodiac years. The lunar calendar determines the exact zodiac sign. The water sheep brings gentle traits to those born in this zodiac year.
Key Takeaways
The Chinese zodiac sign for 2003 is the Goat. Some people also call it the Sheep or Ram. This depends on culture and language. People born in 2003 are part of the Water Sheep year. This year mixes gentle traits with kindness and flexibility. You should check your birth date with the lunar calendar. The 2003 zodiac year started on February 1. It did not start on January 1.
2003 Chinese zodiac sign

Naming: Goat, Sheep, or Ram
The 2003 Chinese zodiac sign is usually called the Goat. Some people also call it the Sheep or Ram. The Chinese word "yáng" (羊) means both goat and sheep. It does not make a difference between the two animals. Both belong to the Caprinae family. Different places use their own names for this sign. In China, people say Goat. In Korea and Japan, people use Sheep. In Cambodia, people use both Sheep and Goat. The table below shows these naming choices:
Culture/Language |
Common Name(s) for 2003 Zodiac Sign |
---|---|
Chinese |
Goat |
Korean |
Sheep (yang) |
Japanese |
Sheep (hitsuji) |
Cambodian |
Interchangeable Sheep/Goat |
These name differences come from language and culture. In southern China, people see the animal as a goat. In northern China, people see it as a sheep. The word "yáng" is a symbol of good luck and kindness. This is why people call 2003 the year of the goat, sheep, or ram. In Vietnam, this year is called the year of mùi.
The Earthly Branch "Wei" (未, wèi) always goes with the Sheep in the zodiac. "Wei" stands for the sixth lunar month. It is about harvest and new beginnings. This branch means hard work pays off and new things can start. These ideas fit the gentle and caring Sheep.
Water Sheep Element
The 2003 zodiac year is not just about the animal. It also has an element. For 2003, the element is Water. So, it is the year of the Water Sheep. The Water Sheep comes once every 60 years. The table below shows which years have each element with Sheep:
Element |
Sheep Years |
---|---|
Water |
1943, 2003 |
Wood |
1955, 2015 |
Fire |
1967 |
Earth |
1979 |
Metal |
1991 |
The Water Sheep mixes the Sheep’s gentle side with Water’s flexible side. People born in this year are kind, loyal, and helpful. They are also dependable and generous. Water Sheep show more kindness and loyalty than other Sheep years. For example, Wood Sheep are helpful, and Fire Sheep are bold. Water Sheep are known for being gentle and steady.
Chinese zodiac experts say the animal and element together show more about a person. The Water element makes the Sheep softer and more flexible. This mix helps people know their strengths and find balance. The Five Elements Theory uses Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. It helps explain each zodiac sign better.
Lunar Calendar Dates
The 2003 zodiac year does not use the regular calendar. It follows the lunar calendar instead. The Water Sheep year started on February 1, 2003. It ended on January 21, 2004. People born between these dates have the 2003 zodiac sign. If you were born before February 1, 2003, you have the sign from the year before.
Zodiac Year |
Start Date (Lunar Calendar) |
End Date (Lunar Calendar) |
---|---|---|
February 1, 2003 |
January 21, 2004 |
This means you need to check your birth date to know your sign. Chinese zodiac years do not match Western calendar years. The lunar calendar is the best way to find your correct sign.
Year of the Sheep Traits

Personality Traits
People born in 2003 are gentle and calm. They like peace and do not like fights. They care a lot about friends and family. They are polite, creative, and have big imaginations. These people are kind and patient with others. Sometimes, they feel shy or unsure of themselves. They may take longer to make choices. Both boys and girls born this year are loyal and helpful. Girls often show bravery and strength when things are hard. Boys care about family and are good partners.
Lucky Symbols
The year of the sheep has lucky symbols. These come from old traditions and the "Wei" Earthly Branch. The table below lists the main lucky and unlucky symbols:
Category |
Lucky Symbols |
Unlucky Symbols |
---|---|---|
Numbers |
3, 4, 9 |
6, 7, 8 |
Colors |
green, red, purple |
gold, brown, black |
Flowers |
carnation, primrose, Alice |
— |
Directions |
east, southeast, south |
west |
Compatibility
In the chinese zodiac, Sheep get along best with Rabbit, Pig, and Horse. These signs help Sheep feel happy and safe. Sheep may have problems with Ox, Rat, and sometimes Dog. The table below shows which signs match well:
Compatibility Level |
Zodiac Signs |
---|---|
Horse, Rabbit, Pig |
|
Fair |
Rooster |
Least Compatible |
Ox, Tiger, Dog |
How to Confirm Your Chinese Zodiac
To check your zodiac sign if you were born near early 2003, follow these steps:
Look at the chinese zodiac years on the lunar calendar. The 2003 year of the sheep started on February 1.
Use a chinese zodiac calculator to match your birthday to the lunar new year.
If you were born before February 1, 2003, your sign is Horse. If you were born on or after that date, your sign is Sheep.
Check again if your birthday is in January or early February, because the zodiac year does not start on January 1.
The 2003 year belongs to the Water Goat, also known as the Sheep or Ram. Readers should check their birth date with the lunar calendar for accuracy. To learn more, they can:
Discover the history and traditions of the chinese zodiac.
Visit museum exhibits or read detailed articles.
FAQ
What if someone was born in January 2003?
People born in January 2003 belong to the Horse sign. The Sheep year started on February 1, 2003.
Why do some people call it the Goat and others the Sheep?
Different cultures use different names. Chinese people often say Goat. Japanese and Korean people usually say Sheep. Both names mean the same zodiac sign.
What makes the Water Sheep special?
The Water Sheep combines gentle traits with flexibility. People born in this year often show kindness, loyalty, and a calm nature.