This zodiacal sign is often[1] referred to as the "Ram" or "Sheep" sign,[2] since the Chinese word yáng is more accurately translated as Caprinae, a taxonomic subfamily that includes both goats and sheep,[3] but contrasts with other animal subfamily types such as Bovinae, Antilopinae, and other taxonomic considerations which may be encountered in the case of the larger family of Bovidae in Chinese mythology, which also includes the Ox (zodiac).

[6][7] In English, the sign (originally based on a horned animal) may be called either.

[11] It is also a part of the character "shan" (善), which counts kindness and benevolence as among its meanings.

[13] Goat aspects can also enter by other chronomantic factors or measures, such as hourly.

[14] With the addition of the Wood element, the Goat characteristic is thought to love peace and to be helpful and trusting, but yet also to be clinging and resistant to change.