Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Rat
Zi (子), the 1st of the 12 Earthly Branches.
Quick Answer
People born in the Year of the Rat include those born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032, counting from Lunar New Year rather than January 1. The next Year of the Rat is the Year of the Water Rat, from February 11, 2032 to January 30, 2033. The Rat is quick-witted, resourceful, observant and good with money.
Years of the Rat
Each year starts at Lunar New Year. If your birthday falls before the start date, you belong to the previous animal.
| Year | Sexagenary Name | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1924 Wood Rat | Jia Zi (甲子) | ||
| 1936 Fire Rat | Bing Zi (丙子) | ||
| 1948 Earth Rat | Wu Zi (戊子) | ||
| 1960 Metal Rat | Geng Zi (庚子) | ||
| 1972 Water Rat | Ren Zi (壬子) | ||
| 1984 Wood Rat | Jia Zi (甲子) | ||
| 1996 Fire Rat | Bing Zi (丙子) | ||
| 2008 Earth Rat | Wu Zi (戊子) | ||
| 2020 Metal Rat | Geng Zi (庚子) | ||
| 2032 Water Rat | Ren Zi (壬子) | ||
| 2044 Wood Rat | Jia Zi (甲子) |
Every Rat year from 1900 to 2100 is in the full table.
Rat Personality
The Rat opens the zodiac cycle. It is associated with sharp instincts, adaptability and a talent for spotting opportunity before anyone else does. At its best it is charming and inventive; under pressure it can turn anxious or calculating.
Strengths: Adaptability, charm, thrift, quick problem-solving. Challenges: Restlessness, worry, a tendency to hoard or scheme.
The year element adds its own color: a Fire Rat is more outgoing and a Water Rat more reflective. Find your element by birth year in the table above.
The Rat in the Year of the Fire Horse
In the current Year of the Fire Horse (February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027), the Rat clashes with Tai Sui, so tradition counts it among the signs in conflict with Tai Sui this year.
Rat Compatibility
The Rat's best matches are the Ox, Dragon and Monkey (Six Harmonies with the Ox, the Water trine with the Dragon and Monkey). Its classical clash is with the Horse.
| Sign | Relationship | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Ox | Six Harmonies (Liu He) | The closest classical pairing: complementary and supportive. |
| Dragon | Trine (San He) | Natural allies that share an element and a way of working. |
| Monkey | Trine (San He) | Natural allies that share an element and a way of working. |
| Tiger | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Snake | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Dog | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Pig | Neutral | No classical relationship; depends on the full chart. |
| Rooster | Break (Liu Po) | Minor friction that can disrupt plans. |
| Goat | Harm (Liu Hai) | Subtle misunderstandings that need patience. |
| Rabbit | Punishment (Xing) | A pairing said to test both people. Shown as Penalty in the chart. |
| Horse | Clash (Liu Chong) | Opposite signs: strong attraction or friction, rarely indifference. |
Are You a Rat?
Check a birthday against the exact Lunar New Year date.
The Other Animals
Questions About the Rat
What Years Are the Year of the Rat?
People born in the Year of the Rat include those born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032, counting from Lunar New Year rather than January 1. The next Year of the Rat is the Year of the Water Rat, from February 11, 2032 to January 30, 2033. The Rat is quick-witted, resourceful, observant and good with money.
What Is the Rat Personality in the Chinese Zodiac?
The Rat opens the zodiac cycle. It is associated with sharp instincts, adaptability and a talent for spotting opportunity before anyone else does. At its best it is charming and inventive; under pressure it can turn anxious or calculating. Strengths: Adaptability, charm, thrift, quick problem-solving. Challenges: Restlessness, worry, a tendency to hoard or scheme.
Who Is the Rat Most Compatible With?
The Rat's best matches are the Ox, Dragon and Monkey (Six Harmonies with the Ox, the Water trine with the Dragon and Monkey). Its classical clash is with the Horse.
Is the Rat in Conflict With Tai Sui This Year?
In the current Year of the Fire Horse (February 17, 2026 to February 5, 2027), the Rat clashes with Tai Sui, so tradition counts it among the signs in conflict with Tai Sui this year.
I Was Born in January or February. Am I a Rat?
Your Chinese zodiac animal changes at Lunar New Year, not on January 1. Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, between January 21 and February 20, so anyone born in January or early February may belong to the previous year's animal. BaZi (Four Pillars) charts use a second boundary, the solar term Li Chun (Start of Spring), on February 3, 4 or 5. Look up your exact birth date to see both.
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