Stellune
The Tiger is the third animal of the Chinese zodiac, and its most fearless. Tigers are described as brave, confident and competitive: natural leaders who act on conviction and inspire loyalty.
The Tiger personality
Tigers lead with courage and charisma. They like a challenge, stand up for what they believe in, and are often generous and protective towards the people they love. Life with a Tiger is rarely dull.
Strengths: courage, confidence, generosity, a strong sense of justice.
Blind spots: impulsiveness, impatience, and a strong dislike of being told what to do.
Tiger years
You’re a Tiger if you were born in one of these years, on or after that year’s Chinese New Year:
| Year | Element | New Year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Metal Tiger | 17 February 1950 |
| 1962 | Water Tiger | 5 February 1962 |
| 1974 | Wood Tiger | 23 January 1974 |
| 1986 | Fire Tiger | 9 February 1986 |
| 1998 | Earth Tiger | 28 January 1998 |
| 2010 | Metal Tiger | 14 February 2010 |
| 2022 | Water Tiger | 1 February 2022 |
The next Tiger year is 2034, a Wood Tiger.
The five kinds of Tiger
- Wood Tiger: warm and tolerant; a Tiger that likes working with people.
- Fire Tiger: the most passionate and adventurous; bold to the point of daring.
- Earth Tiger: steadier and more realistic, with good judgement.
- Metal Tiger: determined and assertive, hard to stop once set on a goal.
- Water Tiger: calmer and more open-minded, good at reading people.
Tiger compatibility
| Kind of match | Animals |
|---|---|
| Best friends (same trine) | Horse, Dog |
| Secret friend | Pig |
| Opposite (clash) | Monkey |
| Tricky pairing | Snake |
The Horse and Dog share the Tiger’s love of freedom and loyalty. The warm-hearted Pig is a quiet, steady ally. The clever Monkey is the Tiger’s opposite: lots of spark, and lots of friction.
The Tiger at work and in love
At work, Tigers shine where courage counts: leadership, entrepreneurship, campaigning, emergency work, sport. They can struggle in rigid hierarchies. In love, they’re passionate and protective, and need a partner who respects their independence and can hold their own.
The Tiger in 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Fire Horse year is a best-friend year for the Tiger, and many Tigers have found its energy matches their own; finish strong before New Year. The 2027 Fire Goat year is neutral for the Tiger: a good year to slow down a little and look after relationships.
Questions people ask
What years are the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac?
1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 and 2034, each counted from that year’s Chinese New Year.
Who is the Tiger most compatible with?
The Horse and Dog (its trine partners) and the Pig (its secret friend).
Is the Tiger a lucky sign?
The Tiger is admired for courage and protection. Like every animal, it has its own strengths rather than more luck than others.
What is the Tiger's element?
Each Tiger year has its own element, and the Tiger’s fixed element is Wood.
Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.