The Chinese zodiac is a centuries-old system of astrology that uses 12 animals to represent each year in a cycle. Each animal has its own unique personality traits, which are believed to influence the lives of people born in that year. An important use of the Chinese zodiac is to determine if two people are compatible in a romantic relationship or any kind of relationship. If you’re curious about your Chinese zodiac sign and what it means for your personality, love, career, and more, you’re in the right place!
There does seem to be a general feeling in the air that the Chinese Zodiac is deeply irrelevant. The consensus seemed similar among our Instagram followers too, with only 10% following tradition and actively considering it. Of course, it doesn’t help that we millennials are also factoring in personality tests, horoscopes (Gemini men, keep away!), and all the other strange litmus tests of compatibility.
While the validity of Chinese astrology may be questionable, we still want to preserve the stories and thinking around it! Chinese zodiac compatibility can be regarded as an important symbol and reference in Chinese people’s love and marriage life.
Below are the 12 animal designations of the Chinese zodiac. Be sure to check the exact dates that apply to each animal year, as Lunar New Year falls on different days each year. It doesn’t simply start on January 1 and end December 31. (Please note: If you were born before the Chinese New Year began for the year listed, then you were born under the previous Chinese zodiac sign. For example, the Chinese New Year began on January 28 in 2017; from that date onward, the sign is the Rooster. For those born between January 1 and January 27, 2017, the sign is the Monkey.):
The 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs
The Chinese zodiac, explained | ShaoLan
Rat (Zi)
The rat represents intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Those born under this sign are considered clever, generous, ambitious, and charismatic. Rats are known for their problem-solving abilities and business shrewdness, making them natural leaders. They are social and charming, often attracting a wide circle of friends. Rats are believed to possess immense determination and drive, ensuring success in various aspects of life. Compatible with the dragon and the monkey. Your opposite is the horse.
Read also: The Compatibility of a Gemini Man and a Cancer Woman
Born in: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox or Buffalo (Chou)
The ox symbolizes diligence, strength, and dependability. Those born under this sign are considered hardworking, patient, and organized. Ox are renowned for their determination and ability to endure challenges. They are often associated with honesty and reliability, making them trustworthy friends and partners. Their steadfast nature signifies stability and resilience, ensuring their success in various endeavors. Compatible with the snake and the rooster. Your opposite is the sheep.
Born in: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger (Yin)
The Tiger embodies courage, passion, and unpredictability. Individuals born in the Year of the Tiger are known for their fearless nature and strong leadership qualities. Tigers are charismatic and daring, often enthusiastically embracing challenges. They possess a magnetic personality, drawing others to their adventurous spirit. Despite their impulsive tendencies, Tigers are fiercely determined, making them formidable achievers and inspiring figures in both personal and professional realms. Forthright and sensitive, you possess great courage. You can be a strong leader capable of great sympathy. Compatible with the horse and the dog. Your opposite is the monkey.
Born in: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Read also: Gemini Virgo Relationship
Rabbit or Hare (Mao)
The Rabbit symbolizes grace, compassion, and tranquility. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, empathetic, and peace-loving. Rabbits are known for their artistic talents, intuition, and diplomatic skills. They navigate social situations with ease, promoting harmony and understanding. Individuals under this sign are often sensitive and intuitive, making them excellent listeners and reliable friends. Compatible with the sheep and the pig. Your opposite is the rooster.
Born in: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon (Chen)
The Dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are charismatic, ambitious, and lively. Dragons are natural leaders, often displaying unwavering confidence and determination. They are innovative thinkers, unafraid to pursue grand ambitions, and are known for their resilience. Robust and passionate, the life of a Dragon is filled with complexity. Compatible with the monkey and the rat. Your opposite is the dog.
Born in: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Snake (Si)
The Snake represents wisdom, intuition, and charm. Individuals born in the Year of the Snake are often perceived as mysterious and insightful. Snakes are strategic thinkers who can navigate complex situations with finesse. They are elegant, graceful, and wise, often relying on their intuition to make decisions. Compatible with the rooster and the ox. Your opposite is the pig.
Read also: Chinese Zodiac Relationships
Born in: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse (Wu)
The Horse signifies freedom, energy, and a love for adventure. Individuals born in the Year of the Horse are known for their dynamic and enthusiastic nature. Horses are hardworking, loyal, and adaptable, embracing change optimistically. They possess a strong sense of independence and are natural leaders with a knack for inspiring others. Compatible with the tiger and the dog. Your opposite is the rat.
Born in: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Sheep or Goat (Wei)
The Sheep, also known as the Goat or Ram, symbolizes peace, kindness, and creativity. People born in the Year of the Sheep are gentle, compassionate, and artistic. They are known for their warm-hearted nature and intense empathy, often putting others’ needs before their own. Sheep individuals appreciate beauty and harmony and thrive in creative pursuits. Compatible with the pig and the rabbit. Your opposite is the ox.
Born in: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Monkey (Shen)
The Monkey signifies intelligence, wit, and versatility. Those born in the Year of the Monkey are clever, resourceful, and adaptable. Monkeys are known for their playful and curious nature, often approaching challenges with a strategic mindset. They possess a natural charm and excellent communication skills, making them adept at social interactions. Compatible with the dragon and the rat. Your opposite is the tiger.
Born in: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Rooster (You)
The Rooster symbolizes confidence, loyalty, and punctuality. People born in the Year of the Rooster are known for their strong sense of responsibility and determination. Roosters are hardworking, resourceful, and observant, often possessing sharp analytical skills. They are charismatic and confident, able to inspire and lead effectively. Compatible with the snake and the ox. Your opposite is the rabbit.
Born in: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Dog (Xu)
The Dog embodies loyalty, honesty, and kindness. Individuals born in the Year of the Dog are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and genuine compassion. Dogs are protective and devoted, often putting the needs of others before their own. They are empathetic listeners and reliable friends. With their strong sense of justice, Dogs are natural advocates for fairness and equality, making them trustworthy allies in personal and professional relationships. Compatible with the horse and the tiger. Your opposite is the dragon.
Born in: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Pig or Boar (Hai)
In the Chinese zodiac, the Pig signifies kindness, honesty, and generosity. Pigs are known for their gentle and compassionate nature. Pigs are hardworking and diligent, often achieving their goals through determination and sincerity. They are generous and nurturing, valuing family and friendship deeply. Pigs possess a strong sense of justice and fairness, making them advocates for harmony and peace in their communities,Compatible with the rabbit and the sheep. Your opposite is the snake.
Born in: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Love Compatibility in Marriage
Detailed analysis according to Chinese zodiac compatibility shows that the Monkeys' best matches are Ox, Dragon and Rabbit, which means they will gain a happy and harmonious marriage with people with these signs. Wonderful pairs often appear from these combinations. However, here come some bad matches. They are not suitable with Tiger, Pig and Snake signs.
Compatibility of Monkey Men
People born in the Year of the Monkey have several common attitudes and characteristics when it comes to love relationships. The active and optimistic personality always enhances their glamour. Generally they are compatible with people born in the Year of the Ox or the Rabbit, while not compatible with Tiger or Pig signs.
Male Monkey in Love: Gentle, considerate, responsible, romantic. They usually win high popularity among the opposite sex because of their charming characteristics. Love relationships are the most important thing in their life. Soul mates are treasures in their eyes. As long as they love you, if necessary, they can give up their jobs, money, status and everything they have. Their main focus is just to keep the relationship.
When others fall in love with them, their brave and crazy deeds will make people feel satisfied. Long-period sweetness usually promotes a perfect married life. They can fully understand and respect others. If there is any conflict or quarrel, they will behave calmly and try their best to make up the relationship, so they always bring light-hearted love experiences. Meanwhile, they will feel insecure about the future sometimes, so they always ask their partners to stay with them whenever and wherever possible.
After getting married, most of them are loyal to their family. They are born problem-solvers who can deal with trivial things in marriage. They are perfect boyfriends and ideal husbands.
Best Matches for Monkey Men
- Ox: Ox brings a practical and sedate feeling to people. The combination with Ox can be a wonderful pair.
- Dog: Understanding and respect are boosters for this pair. Dog ladies will give enough sense of security to their partner.
- Dragon: Both of them have big ambitions and common goals. Dragon’s strong points enable the family to have strong cohesion. Their marriage life will be sweet and stable.
- Sheep: Sheep ladies are lovely and gentle. Their excellent capability can give some help for men’s career. At the same time, they can manage family matters very well and support all family members.
Bad Matches for Monkey Men
- Tiger: The two usually square accounts in every detail in life. Both of them are egocentric and full of leading desire. In this way, they would never know how to support a family and improve their marriage life.
- Pig: Even if the two get together because of curiosity at the beginning, marriage life is still a big challenge for them. It’s hard for them to understand each other’s true ideas and feelings, thus the marriage won’t be peaceful.
- Snake: Snake ladies are sensitive. They don’t like telling their true purposes. This kind of self-protection will make people feel tired. Besides, the two both ask each other to be a perfect person. Obviously, it’s impossible.
Compatibility of Monkey Women
Female Monkey in Love: Shy, tender, kindhearted, honest. Females with this zodiacal sign are not willing to express their affection openly. They are more conservative about relationships and marriage, because, in their eyes, it is not safe if others know their true feelings. They always observe the man until he starts to tell his feelings. In this way, they often miss many chances to find the right person.
When they fall in love with someone, most of them behave gently and with understanding. If their partner does something wrong, they can always give the second chance. Especially, they enjoy listening to other people’s admiration and praise, especially from their soul mate or husband.
Sometimes they will be a little bit stubborn. At that time, they always ignore useful suggestions. Patience and lenience from lovers will make them calm down quickly.
Best Matches for Monkey Ladies
- Rat: The combination is perfect. Optimistic attitude towards life will make them solve troubles together. They can tolerate the shortcomings of each other. They will have a tacit understanding after long-time’s living together.
- Rabbit: Several common points in their personality add more fun in the marriage. Both of them will hold on to the last until achieving the final goal. Besides a successful career, a happy family is also a success in their life.
- Dragon: Dragon men always give small but romantic surprises to their partners in order to improve the relationship. This couple has many friends that will help them when necessary. Finally, they will have a cozy and comfortable home.
Bad Matches for Monkey Ladies
- Tiger: They two don’t have the same sense of worth. It just seems like they don’t live in the same world. In the marriage life, they cannot communicate well because of holding different opinions.
- Pig: Pig men are not good at talking and communicating.
How to Get Along with Monkeys
An everlasting relationship with them needs much patience and understanding. In daily life, they are sometimes impetuous and irritable. People need to find solutions to make them calm down first, and then get out of troubles together. If this fails, just stay with them and pass through the difficult time together. They need more space and freedom; restricted love will make them feel pressured. Enough trust is needed when getting along with them.
General Compatibility of Chinese Zodiac Signs
Here is a summary of the compatibility between different Chinese zodiac signs:
| Sign | Most Compatible | Least Compatible |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | Rat, Ox, Dragon, Monkey | Horse, Rabbit |
| Ox | Rat, Snake, Rooster | Tiger, Goat, Monkey |
| Tiger | Dog, Pig, Horse | Ox, Snake, Monkey |
| Rabbit | Goat, Dog, Pig | Rat, Rooster |
| Dragon | Rat, Monkey, Rooster | Dog |
| Snake | Ox, Rooster | Tiger, Horse, Pig |
| Horse | Tiger, Goat, Dog | Rat, Ox, Snake |
| Goat | Rabbit, Horse, Pig | Ox, Tiger, Dog |
| Monkey | Rat, Dragon, Dog | Tiger |
| Rooster | Ox, Dragon, Snake | Rat, Rabbit |
| Dog | Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, Monkey | Dragon, Goat |
| Pig | Tiger, Rabbit, Goat | Snake |
Remember, these are general guidelines. Individual experiences may vary. Astrology, tarot cards, etc. are just gut checks against your innermost feelings and intuition.
If you are interested in star signs, we encourage you to visit our Zodiac Signs profiles.What’s your Chinese zodiac sign?