Wood Monkey (甲申): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Wood Monkey, 甲申, turns the Monkey's cleverness toward building and teaching. The tradition reads it as inventive, communicative and cooperative.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 甲申
Years: 1944, 2004
Character
甲申 sets 甲, yang wood, the tall tree, over 申, the Monkey's yang metal, at the start of autumn. Metal cuts wood, so the tradition reads this as a pair in which the branch restrains its stem: a tree in an autumn wind, growth shaped and pruned by sharp intelligence.
People born in a Wood Monkey year are read as curious, imaginative and sociable, with the Monkey's wit applied to projects that help others. They communicate well and enjoy teaching what they know. The tradition's shadow for the Wood Monkey is an inner tug between the wish to grow and the urge to cut corners, and a restlessness with slow progress.
In love and at work
In love the Wood Monkey is read as lively, affectionate and generous, a partner who brings ideas and laughter. At work it shines in teaching, technology, communication and creative industries. The tradition suggests the Wood Monkey give its best idea the patience it deserves.
A question to take with you
Which clever idea of yours would become something lasting if you gave it time?
Updated October 28, 2026