Who's Most Compatible in the Chinese Zodiac?

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Find your perfect match according to the ancient Chinese zodiac
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The Chinese Zodiac is a version of our Western astrology and has been around for thousands of years. If you know your Chinese zodiac sign, you might be wondering who you’re most compatible with. Can a Horse love a Rat? Are a Tiger and a Monkey doomed to fail? Are an Ox and a Rabbit better off as friends? Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to Chinese Zodiac compatibility, from the truest love matches to the ones that shouldn’t even be in the same room together.

Section 1 of 5:

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: Best Matches

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  1. An illustration showing the best 2–3 compatibilities for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. These include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
    Just like Western Astrology, the Chinese Zodiac is comprised of 12 signs with varying degrees of compatibility among them.[1] Some signs make excellent love pairings, while others are better off as friends—or foes! Here's a list of all the best matches for each sign:
    • The Rat: Dragon, Monkey, and Ox
    • The Ox: Snake, Rooster, and Rat
    • The Tiger: Horse, Rabbit, and Pig
    • The Rabbit: Goat and Pig
    • The Dragon: Dragon, Monkey, and Rooster
    • The Snake: Ox, Rooster, and Monkey
    • The Horse: Tiger and Dog
    • The Goat: Rabbit and Pig
    • The Monkey: Dragon, Rat, and Snake
    • The Rooster: Dragon, Snake, and Ox
    • The Dog: Tiger and Horse
    • The Pig: Rabbit, Goat, and Tiger
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Section 2 of 5:

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility in Depth

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  1. Step 1 The Rat’s best matches are the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.
    The relationship between a Rat and Dragon is one of opposites attracting, but a successful one nonetheless! The Rat will iron out the small kinks, while the Dragon takes care of the big picture. The Monkey and the Rat have tons in common and this will reflect in their happy relationship. The Rat will appreciate the Monkey’s logical approach to everything. The Ox is another good match, as the two signs can get along swimmingly.[2]
    • OK matches for the Rat include other Rats, Tigers, and Rabbits. Rats and Rats share similar temperaments, while Rats and Rabbits are both very intelligent. Tigers can add pizzaz to the strategic life of a Rat.
    • The worst matches for the Rat are Horse and Goat. Horses love spontaneity, while rats need to carefully plan. Goats can be jealous, adding negativity to the life of the already suspicious Rat.
    • The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac’s 12-year cycle. Recent Rat years include 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, and 1972, with the next one being 2032.
    • Rats are considered to be friendly, cautious, and quirky, sometimes hiding their true feelings out fear that they won’t be liked.
  2. Step 2 The Ox’s best matches are Snake, Rooster, and Rat.
    The relationship between an Ox and a Snake may start off slow, but their shared interests and low-key personalities are sure to strike a spark at some point. The quiet and level-headed Ox enjoys the tenacity and energy of the Rooster, making them an excellent pair. The Rat is another solid pairing, although some balance is needed between these two shy signs.[3]
    • OK matches for the Ox include the Ox, Pig, and Dragon. Fellow Oxen will understand and support each other well, while Pigs will encourage the Ox’s ambitions and the Dragon may add a dash of excitement.
    • The worst matches for the Ox are the Horse and Goat. The roaming Horse is a bad choice for the anchored Ox, as they are adventurous and always on the move, while the Ox tends to be a homebody. The Goat and Ox may break each other’s boundaries, leading to a toxic relationship.
    • The Ox the second animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Ox years include 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, and 1973, with the next one being in 2033.
    • Oxen-ruled folk tend to be grounded, responsible, and gentle, but can step up to the plate when it’s time to act.
  3. Step 3 The Tiger’s best matches are the Horse, Dog, and Pig.
    The Horse and Tiger relationship is dynamic and ever-evolving. These two signs tend to be the boldest, brightest, and most successful, and together, they light up any room they’re in. Dogs are likely to let Tigers lead, while providing them with the support they never knew they needed. These two make a very harmonious pair. Pigs are charming, easygoing, and generous—all green flags for the big-hearted Tiger.[4]
    • OK matches for the Tiger include the Tiger, Dragon, and Rooster. Energetic Tigers will be able to keep up with one another, while Dragons may similarly bring the charm.[5] Roosters can bring intelligence and a competitive edge to the relationship.
    • The worst matches for the Tiger are Monkeys and Snakes. The Tiger and Monkey both have tempers, which can lead to a volatile relationship. The Tiger and Snake are opposites, but not in a good way, as they would struggle to understand each other.
    • The Tiger is the third animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Tiger years include 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, with the next one being in 2034.
    • The Tiger is fierce, assertive, and charismatic. A true extrovert of the zodiac, Tigers are loyal, energetic, and have a keen sense of righteousness.
  4. Step 4 The Rabbit’s best matches are the Goat, Pig, and Dog.
    The Rabbit and the Goat are both sensitive and sweet souls, expanding each other’s world-views while remaining optimistic about the future. The Rabbit and the Pig make for a near perfect match, supporting each other ardently in all areas of life.[6]
    • OK matches for the Rabbit include fellow Rabbits, Monkeys, and Dogs. The Dog is also a solid match, but neither is particularly energetic, leading to a life of possible stagnancy. Rabbits and Monkeys can appreciate each other’s hardworking and shrewd nature.
    • The worst matches for the Rabbit are the Rooster and Dragon. The Rooster has a totally different perspective on life which will clash with the Rabbit’s soft sensibilities. Similarly, the Dragon will pose too much of a dominant threat to the sometimes meek and submissive Rabbit.
    • The Rabbit is the 4th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Rabbit years include 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, with the next one being in 2035.
    • Rabbits are polite, eloquent, and sincere. They crave an exciting, well-rounded life full of imagination and curiosity.
  5. Step 5 The Dragon’s best matches are the Rat, Monkey, and Rooster.
    Although they don’t always share the same vision, Dragons and Rats can help each other achieve all of their ambitions as they are both very strong-willed.[7] The Dragon and Monkey share a high intellect and will bond over their rational ideologies. The Dragon and Rooster can bond over mutual love of beauty and aesthetics.[8]
    • OK matches include the Horse, Pig, and Goat. The Horse and Dragon both have big hearts and personalities, which could work. The Pig and Goat are both optimistic and ambitious, qualities that Dragons enjoy.
    • The worst matches are the Dog and Rabbit. The Dog’s simple lifestyle will likely not impress the risk-taking Dragon, nor will the Rabbit’s inability to let the Dragon make all the executive decisions.
    • The Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Dragon years include 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, and 1976, with the next one being in 2036.
    • In Chinese culture, dragons are mythical, majestic creatures, and this Zodiac sign fully embodies these characteristics. Dragons are wise, confident, and larger-than-life.
  6. Step 6 The Snake’s best matches are the Rooster, Ox, and Monkey.
    The Snake could benefit from the Rooster’s methodical ways of thinking. In turn, the Snake allows the Rooster to embrace their passionate side. The Snake and the Ox make for a harmonious and loving relationship. They’ll celebrate each other privately and adoringly. Monkeys, like Snakes, are very clever, which could work in their favor as long as the outgoing Monkey can be reigned in a bit from time to time.[9]
    • OK matches include the Snake, Horse, and Rabbit. Snakes will have tons in common, while a Horse can definitely appreciate the Snake’s analytical nature.Rabbits are gentle and sincere, anchoring the busybody Snake.
    • The worst matches are the Pig and the Tiger. Snakes and Pigs have a tough time understanding where the other is coming from, typically resulting in hurt feelings. There’s not enough room for both the Snake and Tiger in a relationship, as both are dominant and temperamental.
    • The Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Snake years include 2013, 2001, 1989, and 1977, with the next one being 2025.
    • Snakes are smart, elegant, and even-keeled, remaining calm even in crises.
  7. Step 7 The Horse’s best matches are the Tiger and Dog.
    Horses and Tigers allow one another’s best qualities to shine without fear of being eclipsed. In fact, they thrive on this mutual admiration, which is what makes them such a successful pair. In a relationship between a Horse and a Dog, the key is to let the Horse take charge, while the Dog keeps things stable at home. Conversely, a Horse is unlikely to find true happiness with a .[10]
    • OK matches include Horses, Dragons, and Goats. Horses can thrive off each other’s energies, just like Dragons and Horses. There is a risk that Horse could perceive the Goat as lazy, but a relationship between them has potential as long as they can openly share their respective points of view.
    • The worst matches are Rat and Ox. The Horse and Rat are both stubborn and unwilling to compromise. Similarly, The initial attraction between a Horse and Ox will fizzle once they realize they have nothing in common.
    • The Horse is the 7th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Horse years include 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, with the next one being in 2026.
    • Horses are high-energy, principled, and expressive, often very well-liked by their peers. They’re quick thinkers and love musing on human nature.
  8. Step 8 The Goat’s best matches are the Rabbit and Pig.
    The Goat and Rabbit are often viewed as the perfect couple, offering one another the exact right amount of space and attention. The Goat and Pig are the ultimate introverted pair, choosing to spend time cozying up together and cultivating their love.[11]
    • OK matches include Snake, Horse, and Dog. The smart Snake could benefit from the sensitive Goat’s empathy. Dogs and Goats can also mutually improve each other’s lives. The Goat’s sensible nature coupled with the Horse’s wanderlust can make for a solid and balanced pairing.
    • The worst matches include the Rat and Ox. The relationship between the Goat and the Ox would probably be a tumultuous one, full of jealousy and suspicion. The Goat and Rat seem to be similar on paper, but don’t tend to pan out well in reality.
    • The Goat is the 8th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Goat years include 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, with the next one being in 2027.
    • Sweet and unassuming, Goats, or Rams, are some of the kindest signs of the zodiac. They are mild-mannered, empathetic, and the word “selfish” is not in their vocabulary.
  9. Step 9 The Monkey’s best matches are Rats, Dragons, and Snakes.
    The Monkey and the Rat are likely to forge a deep bond, offering each other support and stability. The Monkey can balance out the Dragon’s dominant ways, and in turn, allow the Dragon to sometimes simply enjoy the ride. Monkeys and Snakes tend to be attracted to each other superficially, and this pairing can work as long as they grow emotionally, as well.[12]
    • OK matches include Monkeys, Oxen, and Rabbits. A Monkey and a Monkey could have a successful relationship based on mutual trust, while the Ox can help make the Monkey’s ideas a reality. Rabbits and Monkeys can truly enjoy each other’s cleverness.
    • The worst matches are the Tiger and the Pig. The Monkey and Tiger will butt heads and constantly try to win control of the relationship. A Pig-Monkey pairing will appear outwardly successful, while being inwardly disastrous.
    • The Monkey the 9th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Monkey years include 2016, 2004, 1992, and 1980, with the next one being in 2028. Monkeys and Snakes tend to be attracted to each other superficially, which certainly leaves room to grow emotionally for the pair.
    • Monkeys are creative, observant, and discerning, excelling when it comes to logical matters. They are sharp and tenacious.
  10. Step 10 The Rooster’s best matches are the Ox, Snake, and Dragon.
    The Ox is just as hardworking as the Rooster, if not more, and together, there’s very little that this winning pair can’t accomplish. The loud Rooster is fascinated by the mysterious and soft-spoken Snake, leading to a scintillating match. The Dragon is yet another good option for the Rooster, as both signs are flexible, understanding, and ethical.[13] [14]
    • OK matches for the Rooster include the Horse, Pig, and Goat. The Horse and Rooster are both natural born leaders, while the Pig can bring tact and empathy to the table. Roosters may be able to stand up for the soft-spoken Goat, leading to harmony between them.
    • The worst matches are the Rabbit and Dog. A Rooster and Rabbit have the potential to bicker so much that a relationship between them could never blossom. A Rooster and Dog don’t even belong in the same room, as their respective traits are likely to seriously put the other off.[15]
    • The Rooster is the 10th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Rooster years include 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, with the next one being in 2029.
    • Roosters are compassionate, competitive, and deeply complicated beings, often regarded as the voices of reason.
  11. Step 11 The Dog’s best matches are Tigers and Horses.
    Both the Dog and Tiger are loyal to a fault, and will bring this kind of protective energy to the relationship.[16] Similarly, Dogs and Horses both value honesty and are able to open up to one another with ease.[17]
    • OK matches include Rabbits, Dogs, and Monkeys. Although not a perfect pairing, both the Dog and the Rabbit may learn patience and perseverance from one another. Dogs will appreciate each other’s loyalty, while Dogs and Monkeys can help balance each other emotionally.
    • The worst matches are the Dragon and Rooster. The Dog may seem boring to the Dragon, and the Rooster may critique the Dog so much that his bite will turn into a bark.
    • The Dog is the 11th animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Dog years include 2018, 2006, 1994, and 1982, with the next one being in 2030.
    • Those belonging to the Dog zodiac sign are very similar to the animals they represent– friendly, loyal, and affectionate.
  12. Step 12 The Pig’s best matches are the Rabbit, Goat, and Tiger.
    A Rabbit can benefit from the emotional security a Pig provides, while offering them a more joyful outlook on life. Pigs and Goats are both laid back, leading to a harmonious relationship with very little push-and-pull. The Pig and Tiger will help each other lead more balanced lives, with the Pig relying on the Tiger for support and the Pig reminding the Tiger to take a breather on occasion.[18]
    • OK matches include most other signs in the zodiac. Pigs can get along with just about anyone!
    • The worst matches are the Pig and Snake. Relationships between Pigs and Snakes will be marred by disagreements, and the initial attraction between Pigs and Monkeys is likely to dissipate pretty quickly.[19]
    • The Pig is the 12th and final animal in the 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle. Recent Pig years include 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, with the next one being in 2031.
    • Despite some negative connotations surrounding the animal, those born under the Pig are optimistic, well-spoken, and sociable.
    • Pigs also symbolize wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture.
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Section 3 of 5:

Determining Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

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  1. You can identify...
    You can identify your Chinese Zodiac sign by the year you were born. Each Zodiac sign repeats every 12 years and begins on the Lunar New Year of your birth year. Learning where you land on the Chinese Zodiac is key in identifying your best potential matches. A quick online search like "chinese zodiac sign [your birthday]" can give you your results, or you can even plug you and your partner's signs into a compatibility calculator to see if you're meant to be... or not![20]
    • The Chinese Zodiac dates back to the 5th Century B.C., during the Zhan Guo period. [21]
    • The first documented use of the zodiac was during the Han Dynasty, more than 2000 years ago.
    • The 12 Zodiac animals were first featured in “The Heavenly Gate Race,” a story detailing how each of the animals behaved, attributing these qualities to those born under their respective signs.
    • This story has been told to children for over a millennia, integrating the Chinese zodiac as not only an interesting, but important part of Chinese culture.
Section 4 of 5:

Other Compatibility Factors

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  1. Step 1 Animal size (yin and yang)
    In general, large animals are best paired with small animals. Since the Chinese Zodiac is based on universal harmony, the larger zodiac animals tend to fare best with the smaller ones. For example, Oxen and Tigers go best with Rats and Dogs. This reflects yin and yang, or the harmony between all things, in Taoism and many other Chinese belief systems.[22]
    • There is also an an agricultural aspect to this reasoning, as pigs and oxen share a habitat but have very different approaches to work, leisure, and life in general.
  2. Step 2 The element of your sign
    Just like our Western astrology, the Chinese Zodiac’s 12 signs are divided into subcategories based on the elements: Fire, Wood, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each sign is fixed to an element, which can affect compatibility. For example, fire shapes metal, therefore, a Fire Horse could enhance a Wood Tiger’s life with their fiery passion. Similarly, a Water Pig could put out a Snake’s flame, leading to incompatibility.
    • There are two types of elemental associations in the Chinese Zodiac: the element your animal is associated with and the element the 12-year cycle you were born in is associated with.[23]
    • For example, if you were born in 1990, your Zodiac animal is the Horse, which means your fixed element is fire. However, the year 1990 was during a Wood 12-year cycle.
      • This distinction would mean that you have both qualities of Fire and Wood, and should find a match that’s compatible with both.
  3. Step 3 The lunar calendar
    Although the year you were born in is the first indicator of your animal sign, you can be a bit more specific than that. This is because the Chinese Zodiac follows the Lunar Year, which begins at a different date every year as it’s meant to land on the first new moon of the lunar calendar.[24]
    • The Lunar New Year usually falls between January 21-February 20, or on the second new moon following the winter solstice on December 21st.
    • The lunar calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar in that the former includes the lunar phases, while the latter does not.
    • For example, if you were born on January 20, 1986, you would not be considered a Tiger, even though 1986 is the year of the Tiger, because the lunar year started on February 9, 1986. (In this case, you'd be considered an Ox.)
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Section 5 of 5:

Final Thoughts

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  1. Use the Chinese Zodiac as a fun tool to think about compatibility.
    Just like our Western zodiac and various kinds of personality tests—such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the enneagram test—the Chinese Zodiac is another way to measure compatibility with potential matches. Of course, it’s not the end-all be-all method to figure out if your partner is your soulmate and should be treated as if there weren’t any concrete scientific proof behind it—because there isn’t![25]
    • In order to arrive at your matches as conclusively as possible, consider who your best matches already are in terms of animal signs. Then, learn which element is assigned to your animal.
    • After that, figure out which 12-year cycle you were born into and the associated element.
    • Then, you can map out all your best matches, narrowing them down by cross-analyzing animals, ages of potential partners, animal elements, and 12-year cycle elements.
    • Remember that you can use the Chinese Zodiac to learn about who you’re most compatible with in romantic relationships as well as with friends, family, and co-workers.

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References

  1. ↑ Dr. Tamsin Lee. Daoist Metaphysical Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rat/
  3. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/ox/
  4. ↑ https://www.taichiaustralia.com.au/culture/chinese-zodiac
  5. ↑ Dr. Tamsin Lee. Daoist Metaphysical Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/01/18/lunar-new-year-2023--what-does-the-year-of-the-rabbit-mean-.html
  7. ↑ Dr. Tamsin Lee. Daoist Metaphysical Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/02/06/lunar-new-year-chinese-new-year-2024-what-does-year-of-dragon-mean1.html?adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D2B037A12A1ED8F01-2EBF9DC49B0F6A00%7CMCORGID%3D35B46472540D9EE20A4C98A6%40AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1734737354&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fcse.google.com%2F
  9. ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/vastu-feng-shui/snake-in-chinese-zodiac-the-strong-will-and-determination-of-the-serpent-sign/articleshow/106931346.cms
  1. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/horse/
  2. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/goat/
  3. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/monkey/
  4. ↑ Dr. Tamsin Lee. Daoist Metaphysical Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rooster/
  6. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rooster/
  7. ↑ Dr. Tamsin Lee. Daoist Metaphysical Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/dog/
  9. ↑ https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/pig/
  10. ↑ Dr. Tamsin Lee. Daoist Metaphysical Expert. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ https://www.dailyhoroscope.com/free-compatibility/eastern
  12. ↑ https://depts.washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07030/history.html
  13. ↑ https://www.anjiecho.com/holistic-spaces-blog/2016/2/the-great-race-the-story-of-the-chinese-zodiac
  14. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/astrology/what-chinese-element-am-i
  15. ↑ https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year
  16. ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a35119928/chinese-zodiac-signs/

About This Article

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Reviewed by:
Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert
This article was reviewed by Dr. Tamsin Lee and by wikiHow staff writer, Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD. Tamsin Lee, DA[o]M, EAMP, LAc is a Daoist metaphysical expert with over 10 years of experience. Their multifaceted background includes East Asian medicine, public health research, somatic embodiment, and health justice advocacy. They have been recognized by the National Institutes of Health, the American Public Health Association, TEDMed, and Well+Good's Health and Wellness Changemakers. In 2016, they founded Elemental Archetypes, offering Daoist face reading, Bazi Astrology, and Yangsheng seasonal living. They are also the co-host of the podcast, Beauty as a Birthright, exploring the evolving concept of beauty and aging through Daoist practices. Tamsin works with clients worldwide, offering spiritual guidance to help reconnect with the wholeness of their being. This article has been viewed 4,037 times.
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