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Traditional Chinese Age System vs Western Age Measurement System

ByAbdul Main
Age is measured differently in various cultures and countries. While the International (Western) age calculation system is commonly used in most countries, some of the emerging East Asian cultures prefer the Traditional Chinese Age System. Utilizing these systems, we will provide an explanation of a person’s age system and identify the differences between different ones.

The International (Western) Age System

This age system is most common used in today’s era.

In this system:

  • A baby is zero(0) years old when he is born.
  • Age is increased by one(1) year on that baby’s first birthday.
  • Each baby’s birthday is unique, so all parents celebrate the birthday on that date.

Example:

If a child is born on May 12, 2010:

  • May 12, 2010 -> 0 Year Old
  • May 12, 2011 -> 1 Year Old
  • May 12, 2020 -> 10 Years Old

This method is entirely based on the exact date of birth. So Click Here to measure your age calculation with our Chronological calculator tool.

The Traditional Chinese Age System

The Traditional Chinese Age System have fully different approach. It is mostly used in Chinese culture from day one. But now they adopt the  western system also.

In this system:

  • A newborn baby’s age starts at 1 instead of 0.
  • Age is increased by one(1) when the new Chinese Year comes.
  • The birthday self not determine the age increases.

Example 1:

A baby is born just one month before a Chinese New Year Started

  • Birth Day -> Traditional Age is 1
  • One Month Later when Chinese New Year Come -> Traditional Age is 2
  • Next Chinese New Year: Traditional Age is 3

Even the baby may only be a one month old in the traditional system at the Chinese new year, in the Chinese system the age is suppose as 2.

Example 2:

  • Suppose that Baby A was born just 1 day before the Chinese New Year and Baby B is born just 1 day after the Chinese New Year.
  • Birth Day: Baby A has age 1, And Baby B also has age 1
  • And after just 2 days later.
  • The Baby A has age 2 -> As because he born before one day of the new year
  • Baby B is age 1 still -> As because he was born after the new year date.
  • When next new year come
  • Baby A has age 3 while Baby B has age 2.

Now you can clearly see the difference between the International Western age system vs Traditional Chinese Age System.

Today, as life is changing fast, Chinese also officially adopt the International Age system in Education, Healthcare, Business Administration, Passports and mostly in every system. However, the Chinese  age system can still be seen in the traditional festivals, cultural activities, family functions, historical records, Chinese astrology and in some older generations peoples that belong to some backwards regions.

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