“干支” (gān zhī) is a traditional Chinese system used to represent time, consisting of two cycles: the ten heavenly stems (天干, tiān gān) and the twelve earthly branches (地支, dì zhī). Each stem and branch is paired to create a 60-year cycle, which is commonly used in calendars, astrology, and cultural events. The twelve earthly branches are also associated with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, such as 鼠 (rat), 牛 (ox), and 虎 (tiger). This system not only helps in tracking years but also influences personality traits and fortunes based on one's birth year.