‘兔年’ (tù nián) literally means 'Rabbit Year' and refers to any year in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle associated with the Rabbit. The zodiac follows the lunar calendar, so each Rabbit Year begins on Chinese New Year — not January 1 — and lasts approximately one lunar year. The Rabbit is the fourth animal in the zodiac sequence and is traditionally associated with qualities like gentleness, vigilance, and good fortune.

This term is used widely in cultural, social, and commercial contexts: people discuss their zodiac sign ('I was born in the Year of the Rabbit'), businesses release Rabbit-themed merchandise during Rabbit Years, and media often highlight auspicious predictions or customs for that year. While ‘兔年’ is a proper noun referring to a specific calendar year, it functions grammatically as a noun and commonly appears after time words like ‘今年’ (this year) or ‘明年’ (next year), or with measure words like ‘一个兔年’ (a Rabbit Year).