also: きし
noun
Water Snake (30th term of the sexagenary cycle)
Refers to the 30th year in the 60-year Chinese zodiac cycle, combining the Heavenly Stem 癸 (Water) and the Earthly Branch 巳 (Snake). Used in traditional calendar contexts and for years like 1953, 2013, 2073.
See also: 干支
2013年は癸巳の年にあたります。
The year 2013 corresponds to the Water Snake year in the sexagenary cycle.
干支 is the general term for the sexagenary cycle or Chinese zodiac signs, while 癸巳 specifically denotes the 30th term, Water Snake.
Compound of the Heavenly Stem 癸 (Water) and the Earthly Branch 巳 (Snake), forming the 30th term of the sexagenary cycle.