The Chinese zodiac is a traditional astrological system rooted in Chinese astrology and has been used for centuries to understand personality traits and relationships. It is based on a repeating 12-year cycle, known as the Chinese horoscope year, with each year represented by a specific animal sign: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The horoscope signs in Chinese culture are determined by a person’s year of birth and are believed to shape their character, behaviour, and outlook on life.
In China, even today, the Chinese zodiac is consulted not only out of curiosity but as a strategic tool. Beliefs about Chinese horoscope compatibility influence key life decisions such as wedding dates to ensure harmony between couples, the launch of a business to ensure its prosperity, and even play a role in traditional Chinese medicine practices.1
Key Takeaways
- The Chinese zodiac is an ancient system, rooted in legends like The Great Race, explaining the order of the animals and the unique personality traits associated with each one.
- Each of the 12 zodiac signs represents unique personality traits.
- A person’s zodiac sign is determined by their birth year.
- Zodiac signs influence not only personality traits but also career choices, relationships, and good fortune.
- Zodiac signs paired with the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) add more depth to each zodiac sign.
- The Chinese zodiac continues to influence modern society, right from career decisions to wedding dates and cultural traditions.
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs
The Rat - (鼠 shǔ)
Rat years
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Rat Relations
Best with Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Rooster, Dog, Pig
Bad with Horse; Avoid Sheep
The Rat Personality
- Rats are quick-witted, versatile, and thrive well in action-oriented situations.
- Rats tend to be very optimistic and outgoing, and build connections easily, allowing them to fit into all social circles.
- They possess a lot of inner resilience and remain undeterred in the face of challenges.
- However, their competitive nature makes them appear highly competitive.
Self-centredness is one of Rat's most dominant negative traits. Rats can also be stubborn and picky, and may be a bit shy. At their worst, Rats may lack persistence, leaving hard tasks undone.
The Ox - (牛 niú)
Ox years
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Ox relations
Best with Snake, Rooster, Rat
Fine with Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Bad with Sheep; Avoid Horse
The Ox Personality
- Ox is calm and persistent, hard-working and honest. People born in Ox years are strong-willed, yet tolerant.
- They can endure hardships to achieve their goals.
- They are steady, which makes them dependable friends.
- Being associated with the Earth element, they are grounded in nature.
On the downside, Ox can be stubborn and clumsy, especially with words. The overcautious Ox may also be unsociable, at times.
In rural China, there is a custom of “Whipping the Spring Ox” to mark Lichun, the Start of Spring. It also sometimes forms part of Chinese New Year celebrations. The ritual involves whipping a symbolic spring ox to pray for a bountiful harvest.
The Tiger - (虎 hǔ)
Tiger years
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Tiger relations
Best with Horse, Dog, Pig;
Fine with Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Dragon, Sheep, Rooster
Bad with Monkey; Avoid Snake
The Tiger Personality
- Tigers are brave, loyal and trustworthy.
- They have a strong sense of justice.
- Still, Tigers are bossy and often act rashly.
- They can also be short-tempered and are typically arrogant.
The Rabbit - (兔 tù)
Rabbit years
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Rabbit relations
Best with Sheep, Dog, Pig
Fine with Rat, Ox, Tiger, Snake, Horse, Monkey
Bad with Rooster; Avoid Dragon
The Rabbit Personality
- If you've ever wondered "What Chinese zodiac am I?", be happy if our calculator shows you're a rabbit. Rabbits are gentle and considerate, friendly and compassionate.
- They also have a keen sense of intuition and can easily spot subtle cues.
- On the downside, Rabbits find it hard to make decisions. They can also be stubborn, especially when it comes to matters of principle.
The Dragon - (龙 lóng)
Dragon years
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036
Dragon relations
Best with Rat, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Ox, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Pig
Bad with Dog; Avoid Rabbit
The Dragon Personality
- Dragon's Chinese zodiac personality is confident and ambitious, energetic and intelligent. Dragons are generous and honest in all their dealings.
- With a commanding presence, they inspire enthusiasm and stand out as natural-born leaders.
- However, these strengths can sometimes turn out to be their weaknesses. They may be conceited and unrealistic, demanding and unstable, at times.
In Chinese mythology, Dragons are benevolent creatures and people born in the "Year of the Dragon" are considered especially lucky. Notable personalities born in the Year of the Dragon are Bruce Lee, Martin Luther King Jr, Adele, and Rihanna.
The Snake - (蛇 shé)
Snake years
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037
Snake relations
Best with Ox, Monkey, Rooster
Fine with Rat, Dragon, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Dog
Bad with Pig; Avoid Tiger
The Snake Personality
- Snakes are graceful, wise, and good at speaking.
- Snakes are also perceptive and funny, and are quite sociable.
- However, snakes can be very determined and more than a touch jealous.
The Horse - (马 mǎ)
Horse years
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038
Horse relations
Best with Tiger, Sheep, Dog
Fine with Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster
Bad with Rat; Avoid Ox
The Horse Personality
- Horses are patient and warm-hearted, and are known for their independent spirit and easygoing nature.
- They have a steady temperament and an upright demeanour.
- Horses are vain, opinionated and inflexible in their views.
The Horse is the Chinese New Year animal for 2026. To greet people, you can say "Mǎ Nián Dà Jí" (马年大吉 - Great luck in the Year of the Horse) or "Mǎ Dào Chéng Gōng" (马到成功 - Instant Success).
The Sheep - (羊 yáng)
Sheep years
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039
Sheep relations
Best with Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Fine with Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Rooster, Dog
Bad with Ox; Avoid Rat
The Sheep Personality
- Ewes are kind-hearted and considerate, and are known to be reliable and thrifty.
- They offer quiet strength to people.
- However, they are often moody and pessimistic, and too timid to stand up for themselves.
The Monkey - (猴 hóu)
Monkey years
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040
Monkey relations
Best with Rat, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Ox, Rabbit, Horse, Sheep, Rooster
Bad with Tiger; Avoid Pig
In the classic novel Journey to the West, Sun Wukong is appointed Guardian of the Peach Garden, where he eats the magical peaches of immortality, which grant eternal life. Since then, monkeys have been prayed to for longevity in Chinese culture.
The Monkey Personality
- Monkeys are intelligent and self-assured, bursting with enthusiasm and innovative ideas.
- Monkeys are eloquent.
- But Monkeys tend to be arrogant and jealous.
- They are impatient and opportunistic.
The Rooster - (鸡 jī)
Rooster years
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041
Rooster relations
Best with Ox, Dragon, Snake
Fine with Rat, Tiger, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Rabbit; Avoid Dog
The Rooster Personality
- Roosters are ambitious, capable, quick-witted and confident.
- The outgoing Rooster has great foresight and is fiercely independent.
- For all that, Roosters can be remarkably narrow-minded and selfish.
The Dog - (狗 gǒu)
Dog years
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042
Dog relations
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Horse
Fine with Rat, Ox, Snake, Sheep, Monkey, Pig
Bad with Dragon; Avoid Rooster
The Dog Personality
- Much like the four-legged friends we know today, zodiac Dogs are loyal, reliable, righteous, and quick-witted.
- Brave Dogs are also clever and responsible, and people you can rely on.
- But they are not without flaws. They are emotional and stubborn, and can be conservative in their views.
The Pig - (猪 zhū)
Pig years
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
Pig relations
Best with Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep
Fine with Rat, Ox, Dragon, Horse, Dog
Bad with Snake; Avoid Monkey
The Pig Personality
- Pigs are warm-hearted and sincere.
- Pigs are generous to a fault and often too honest for their own good.
- Still, the pig has its flaws. The gullible Pig is often jealous and loses its temper when others get the best of them.
The Origins and Legends of the Chinese Zodiac
The Great Race: How the Zodiac Order Was Determined
According to the most widespread legend, the Jade Emperor (or Buddha, depending on the version) invited the animals to a New Year's banquet. To get there, they had to cross a turbulent river. The order of arrival would determine their position in the cycle.
The Rat, clever but a poor swimmer, asked the Ox to carry him. The Ox, a symbol of kindness, hard work, and naivety, agreed to carry the rodent on his head. But just before reaching the shore, the Rat jumped to the ground and crossed the finish line first, leaving the Ox in second place.
This story defines the characters:
- The Rat is the sign of strategic intelligence (and sometimes opportunism).
- The Ox embodies perseverance.
- The Tiger, competitive and powerful, came third on the strength of his muscles, exhausted by the current.
The agile Rabbit secured fourth place while the kind-hearted Dragon came in fifth as he stopped on the way to help a drought-stricken village.
Soon after the Horse arrived, unaware that the Snake was going to outwit him, to the sixth place.
The Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster cooperated to cross the river together, earning their places in that order.
The Dog took its time to arrive as it loitered along the way. Finally, the Pig completed the race, having stopped along the way to eat and rest, bringing the zodiac cycle to its close.
The Jade Emperor is often cited as the organiser to anchor astrology in the celestial administrative structure of Taoism.
But one question often arises: where is the Cat?
Legend has it that the Cat and the Rat were friends. The Rat promised to wake the Cat for the race, but he “forgot” (or, according to other versions, pushed him into the water or lied about the day of the race).
Arriving too late, the Cat was excluded from the cycle. Since that day, cats have hated rats.
Which Chinese Zodiac Sign Do You Find Most Interesting?
These animals are not just fables: they dictate New Year's rituals. To attract good luck (Fu), people decorate their homes with representations of the animal of the coming year and wear red underwear if it is their year (Ben Ming Nian) to ward off bad luck.
Cultural Significance of Each Animal
- The Rat, which begins the cycle, symbolises intelligence and new beginnings. The Ox follows and symbolises sacrifice and stability.
- The Tiger signifies courage, strength, and protection.
- The Rabbit symbolises peace and purity.
- The Dragon represents authority and the harmony between heaven and earth, while the Snake is associated with wisdom and is regarded as a strategic player.
- The Horse is energetic and independent.
- The Goat is compassionate and calm in nature.
- The Monkey is clever and curious, representing human ingenuity.
- The Rooster represents honesty and punctuality and is believed to remove negative energy.
- The Dog stands for devotion and protection.
- The cycle concludes with the Pig, who is associated with wealth and prosperity.
Collectively, the twelve zodiac signs form a complete picture of human nature and the natural order of the universe.
| Sign | Main Theme | Symbols | Why / Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat (Shǔ) | Abundance and savings | Material wealth, fertility | Rapid reproduction and food storage, historical sign of abundance |
| Ox/Buffalo (Niú) | Prosperity through hard work | Spring, agriculture, reliability | Driving force of rice paddies, wealth acquired through effort |
| Tiger (Hǔ) | Protection and bravery | King of animals, protection against spirits | Stripes forming the character 王 (King) |
| Rabbit (Tù) | Longevity and peace | Eternal life, grace | Jade Rabbit preparing the elixir of immortality on the Moon |
| Dragon (Lóng) | Imperial power and luck | Authority, Yang, rain, success | Benevolent mythical animal bringing rain |
| Serpent (Shé) | Rebirth and wisdom | Healing, feminine wisdom | Shedding symbolizing regeneration, called Little Dragon |
| Horse (Mǎ) | Quick success and travel | Speed, perseverance, social status | Symbol of immediate success |
| Goat/Buck (Yáng) | Harmony and filial piety | Peace, art, filial respect | Kid kneeling to suckle, symbol of respect |
| Monkey (Hóu) | Intelligence and promotion | Malice, social advancement | Homophony with Marquis |
| Rooster (Jī) | Punctuality and protection | Reliability, demon hunter | Announcement of sunrise chasing away spirits |
| Dog (Gǒu) | Loyalty and protection | Faithfulness, guardian of the home | The arrival of a dog brings prosperity |
| Pig (Zhū) | Wealth and happiness | Abundance, easy luck | Becomes rich without apparent effort |
Chinese Horoscope Compatibility
Understanding Compatibility Among Zodiac Signs
Now that you have learned about the 12 zodiac animals, you may have realised that each zodiac animal has distinct traits. However, these traits may not always align well with the personality traits of other zodiac signs and may sometimes clash.
Zodiac compatibility is something that is taken quite seriously among Chinese people, which is why many people go to astrologers to understand personality traits and compatibility with others.
In Chinese astrology, the 12 zodiac animals are divided into groups, which is determined through traditional groupings: Three Harmonies, Six Harmonies, Six Conflicts, and Six Damages.
Three Harmonies – The Three Harmonies consist of four groups that are the most compatible group. They form the most romantic match and also think similarly in life. Each group consists of three zodiac signs, with each sign spaced four years apart:
- Dragon, Rat, and Monkey
- Rooster, Ox, and Snake
- Tiger, Horse and Dog
- Goat, Rabbit and Pig
Six Harmonies – These are six pairs of zodiac animals that are mutually compatible. They often make for good friends and good parents. The pairs are
- Pig and Tiger
- Rabbit and Dog
- Rooster and Dragon
- Ox and Rat
- Horse and Goat
- Monkey and Snake
Six Conflicts – These are again six pairings that are direct opposites and view the world in different ways. However, this is what makes them attractive to each other. These signs are spaced six years apart.
- Rat and Horse
- Ox and Goat
- Tiger and Monkey
- Rabbit and Rooster
- Dragon and Dog
- Snake and Pig
Six Damages – The Six Damages are the most incompatible matches. These combinations rarely see eye to eye with each other. They are:
- Goat and Rat
- Horse and Ox
- Pig and Monkey
- Dog and Rooster
- Snake and Tiger
- Dragon and Rabbit
Best and Worst Matches for Each Sign
Here is a tabular representation of the best and worst matches for each sign.
Zodiac Sign
Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig
Compatible With
Dragon, Monkey
Snake, Rooster
Horse, Dog
Sheep, Pig
Rat, Monkey
Ox, Rooster
Tiger, Dog
Rabbit, Pig
Rat, Dragon
Ox, Snake
Tiger, Horse
Rabbit, Sheep
Incompatible With
Horse
Sheep
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig
Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Which aspect of Chinese astrology intrigues you the most?
Chinese Horoscope Compatibility and the Five Elements (Wu Xing)
The Five Elements and Their Influence
Beyond the 12 zodiac animals, Chinese horoscope compatibility is also influenced by five additional elements derived from the Five Elements theory.2 This philosophy describes the interdependence between all living things.
These Five Elements--Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water interact with each other, creating relationships that can be both constructive and destructive.
Constructive Cycle
- 🪵 Wood nourishes Fire 🔥
- 🔥 Fire creates Earth (through ashes) 🌍
- 🌍 Earth carries Metal ⚙️
- ⚙️ Metal enriches Water 💧
- 💧 Water nourishes Wood 🪵
Destructive Cycle
- 🔥 Fire liquifies metal ⚙️
- ⚙️ Metal chops wood 🪵
- 🪵 Wood separates earth 🌍
- 🌍 Earth soaks up water 💧
- 💧 Water quenches fire 🔥
Together, these demonstrate how the Five Elements contribute to sustaining harmony in nature.
Water is moist and downward; Fire is blazing and upward; Wood is for bending and straightening; Metal is for molding and refining; Earth is for sowing and reaping.
The Book of Documents (Shangshu)
Let us know about these properties in more detail and how they work in Chinese horoscope compatibility:
1. Wood
- Patient, compassionate, and wise beyond their years
- Are strong communicators and are warm and sociable
- Great planners and decision makers
- Focus on long-term vision
- Can overwork themselves or become achievement-obsessed
2. Fire
- Born adventurous and deeply passionate about life
- Are natural leaders and are highly motivated
- Impulsive and spontaneous in nature
- Can be aggressive and dominating
3. Earth
- Natural peacekeepers, responsible, and stay calm under pressure
- Act as mediators, organisers, and reliable helpers
- Value stability
- Intelligent and objective in nature
- Can sometimes become selfish and self-centred
4. Metal
- Highly disciplined and always ready to complete the job
- Loyal and protective in nature
- Strong moral standards and are independent-minded
- Can be unreasonable and stubborn at times
5. Water
- Sensitive and introverted
- Highly skilled and intuitive
- Strong interpersonal skills and leadership abilities
- Can be indecisive or lose themselves in other people’s problems
Overall, these interactions, along with the zodiac signs, create a complex interaction level that determines a person’s nature, their fortune, and how they relate to others.
Elemental Cycles and Zodiac Signs
The Five Elements, in turn, influence the 12 zodiac signs by assigning extra characteristics to them. In the Chinese system, each year is linked to one of the elements, with everyone in that year possessing the characteristics of that element.
But this arrangement is not random—it is calculated using the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches, which pair the Five Elements in their Yin-Yang form (making it a total of 10) with the 12 zodiac animals.
Because of this system, the same zodiac sign can show different personalities depending on the element it is paired with. For instance, a Chinese zodiac sign paired with Earth may be practical and more grounded in nature, while the same zodiac sign paired with the Metal element will be more intuitive.
Since 10 and 12 share the least common multiple of 60, it ensures each element-zodiac combination appears only once every sixty years. This is also known as the sexagenary cycle.
The Five Elements
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Water
Zodiac Animals
Rabbit, Tiger
Horse, Snake
Dragon, Ox, Goat, Dog
Rooster, Monkey
Rat, Pig
Chinese Horoscope in Modern Times
Relevance in Contemporary Society
The Chinese zodiac system remains relevant in contemporary society to this day.3 Although the traits associated with the zodiac animals are not scientifically proven, they hold strong cultural significance. For instance, many people still consult their Chinese horoscope for regular guidance on relationships, health, and before making important life decisions.
Every child in China, Taiwan and Singapore knows the story of the Chinese zodiac. It’s something they learn from birth.
ShaoLan, writer and creator of Chineasy
Even when it comes to evaluating romantic compatibility, choosing auspicious dates for weddings or naming children, the Chinese astrology is usually consulted.
Even at the professional level, individuals keep their Chinese horoscope animal traits in mind when exploring suitable roles or career paths. Business leaders, too, sometimes consult Chinese horoscope compatibility to enhance team dynamics or select auspicious dates for product launches and brand contracts.
Chinese Horoscope in Popular Culture
The Chinese zodiac is a cultural symbol that plays a vital role in popular culture and continues to influence media, fashion, and everyday life. Here is how the Chinese zodiac is presented in popular culture:
Zodiac in Fashion Collections
- Fashion brands launch zodiac-inspired collections during the Chinese New Year.
- These collections feature items with animal motifs representing the zodiac animal of the year.
Movie and Art
- The zodiac often appeared in Ming Dynasty porcelains.
- The Chinese Zodiac (2012) movie is about a character, played by Jackie Chan, who sets out on a mission to recover twelve lost bronze Chinese horoscope zodiac animals.
- The Twelve Fairies (1990) is a Hong Kong fantasy film about a priestess who summons companions based on the Chinese horoscope animals.
- Where's the Dragon? (2015) is an animated adventure where a girl teams up with zodiac animals to find the missing zodiac Dragon and restore peace on Earth.
Storytelling & Folklore
- Many proverbs and idioms reference Chinese horoscope animals and animal characteristics.
- Writers take inspiration from the Chinese astrology system when developing characters or themes.
- There are several classic stories about how the Chinese horoscope year animals were chosen.
Find your Chinese language course at Superprof to learn more about the legends of animals in Chinese astrology.
References
- Study on the Chinese zodiac. Available at https://www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/jecs/article/view/41542/10120. Accessed on January 16, 2026.
- Superstitionand risk-taking evidence from the Chinese zodiac. Available at https://sites.bu.edu/fisman/files/2022/07/Zodiac_MS2_clean_wtables_cover.pdf. Accessed on January 17, 2026.
- Astrological Stereotypes. Available at https://gosling.psy.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Lu-et-al.-2020-Disentangling-stereotypes-from-social-reality-Astrological-stereotypes-and-discrimination-in-China-JPSP.pdf. Accessed on January 17, 2026.
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