Stellune
The Rat is the first animal of the Chinese zodiac. In the legend of the great race, it rode across the river on the Ox’s back and leapt ahead at the finish. That story sums up the Rat well: clever, quick, resourceful, and always spotting an opportunity others miss.
The Rat personality
Rats are described as quick-witted, resourceful and sociable. They read situations fast, make friends easily and are good at finding a way through when others are stuck. Many are natural planners and savers.
Strengths: intelligence, charm, adaptability, an eye for opportunity.
Blind spots: restlessness, overreaching, worrying about security.
Rat years
You’re a Rat if you were born in one of these years, on or after that year’s Chinese New Year:
| Year | Element | New Year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Earth Rat | 10 February 1948 |
| 1960 | Metal Rat | 28 January 1960 |
| 1972 | Water Rat | 15 February 1972 |
| 1984 | Wood Rat | 2 February 1984 |
| 1996 | Fire Rat | 19 February 1996 |
| 2008 | Earth Rat | 7 February 2008 |
| 2020 | Metal Rat | 25 January 2020 |
The next Rat year is 2032, a Water Rat.
The five kinds of Rat
- Wood Rat: creative and well-liked; a Rat that builds with others.
- Fire Rat: energetic and bold, with a fiery opinion on everything.
- Earth Rat: practical and careful; the steadiest Rat.
- Metal Rat: determined and ambitious, with sharp judgement.
- Water Rat: intuitive and diplomatic, a natural communicator.
Rat compatibility
| Kind of match | Animals |
|---|---|
| Best friends (same trine) | Dragon, Monkey |
| Secret friend | Ox |
| Opposite (clash) | Horse |
| Tricky pairing | Goat |
The Dragon and Monkey share the Rat’s energy and ambition. The Ox, the Rat’s partner in the legend, is a steady, loyal ally. The Horse sees life from the opposite end, which brings strong attraction and real friction.
The Rat at work and in love
At work, Rats do well where they can use their wits: business, sales, finance, research, writing, anything that rewards spotting a gap. In love, they’re affectionate and attentive, and need a partner who can keep up with their mind.
The Rat in 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Fire Horse year is the Rat’s opposite, so many Rats have found it unsettled; rest before New Year. The 2027 Fire Goat year is a traditionally tricky pairing for the Rat: small misunderstandings come easily, so put agreements in writing and check details twice.
Questions people ask
What years are the Rat in the Chinese zodiac?
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 and 2032, each counted from that year’s Chinese New Year.
Who is the Rat most compatible with?
The Dragon and Monkey (its trine partners) and the Ox (its secret friend).
Why is the Rat first in the Chinese zodiac?
In the legend of the great race, the Rat rode on the Ox’s back and jumped ahead at the finish line.
What is the Rat's element?
Each Rat year has its own element, and the Rat’s fixed element is Water.
Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.