Love Compatibility: What Chinese Zodiac Sign is Your Match?

Iberia Tor
Published March 15, 2022

When it comes to love and romance, few years are more dynamic and exciting than the Year of the Tiger!

Like the sign itself, love is often passionate and unpredictable. Unexpected encounters, secret rendezvous, and endless passion are all associated with this sign so be prepared for a whirlwind of romance in 2022.

Now, you may be wondering which Chinese zodiac sign is your best match? Chinese zodiac love compatibility works very similarly to Western astrology love compatibility, through the matching of zodiac signs.

The exception is that zodiac signs are calculated a little differently in Chinese astrology and are symbolized by animals rather than constellations.

What is Your Chinese Zodiac Sign?

In Chinese astrology, your Chinese zodiac sign is calculated according to what year you were born. Your zodiac sign is an animal instead of a star constellation as in Western astrology.

Though many people may be born in the same year, their personalities will of course differ. One Rat is not the same as another Rat. This is because genetics, environmental upbringing, experiences all play a role to shape us, and of course, other elements of astrology (such as the Chinese Zodiac Ascendant) also play a role!

Your Chinese Zodiac sign is determined by your birth year, use our free Chinese Zodiac Sign Calculator to find yours.

What is your Chinese Zodiac Love Compatibility?

So are you wondering how compatible you are with each sign? Some signs are more compatible with others.

Find your sign below and read a bit more about which signs are the most compatible with you!

Rat

If you were born in the year of the Rat, your life has embodied the skills and qualities of the rat. You go in and out of long-term relationships but you are ambitious and nothing will stop you.

Best match: Dragon and Monkey

These signs share the same trine as you (the First Trine) and you share common interests, as well as work wonderfully together as a team.

Worst match: Horse

This sign stands against you in the Circle of Conflict. The Horse is just too flighty and unpredictable for your needs. Having said that, if you meet a Horse, don’t despair – opposites do attract and often complement one another!

Rabbit

If you are born in the year of the Rabbit then you are just like all rabbits: cute, cuddly, impossible not to love. You may be a little shy and you are also a peace-lover and diplomat.

Best match: Goat and Pig

These signs share the Fourth Trine with you and also share your love of harmony. These signs can engage you in deep philosophical discussion and your mutual need for peace can prompt many happy memories.

Worst match: Rooster

The Rooster stands opposite you in the Circle of Conflict. You may find the Rooster to be loud and overbearing, which does not sit well with your peaceful demeanor. Sometimes this match can work if both are willing to compromise.

Ox

If you were born in the year of the Ox, you are a bit of a loner but you are also the slow and steady type. You like commitments and don’t mind waiting for them.

Best match: Snake and Rooster

These signs share the same trine as you (the Second Trine). You share a similar desire for security. Security matters to you so it is important for you to have a partner that understands stability.

Worst match: Goat

The Goat stands against you in the Circle of Conflict. The Goat’s habit of wearing its heart on its sleeve and somewhat over-dramatic displays of emotion can have you running for the hills. However, both of you can learn from each other when it comes to emotions so it’s not always a negative match!

Tiger

Like any Tiger, you are caring but aggressive and you go after what you want. You prefer someone who can handle your unpredictable temperament. You require lots of affection and deep down you’re a big softy.

Best match: Horse and Dog

These signs share the Third Trine with you and all of you have a love for adventure, as well as a passion for justice. The Dog is an especially calming influence on you and prevents you from doing or saying things you may later regret!

Worst match: Monkey

The Monkey stands against you in the Circle of Conflict. The Monkey is a clever individual and often gets under your skin. They know how to wind you up! However, sometimes this match can work very well for each other. As they say, opposites attract.

Dragon

Dragons are fearless and passionate and they have a big presence, as do you. You want this energy in your romantic affairs so it is important for you to find someone who can match your dynamic style. You also respect those who will stand their ground with you, so a strong person is required.

Best match: Rat and Monkey

These signs share the First Trine with you and together you are a power couple and a force to reckon with.

Worst match: Dog

The two of you clash too easily. The Dog can be too rebellious for your liking and it is tricky to find a compromise with this sign. If a compromise can be found, however, the two of you can reach mutual agreement and respect.

Snake

Being born in the year of the Snake you are wise and clever, able to think at a deeper level. You have a love for aesthetic beauty and you have a curious mind. Overall you are pretty calm and just going with the flow.

Best match: Ox and Rooster

These signs share the Second Trine with you and are able to soothe your nerves when things go awry. You share the same desire for stability and determination to succeed.

Worst match: Pig

The Pig and you are very different and your personalities tend to clash. The Pig’s desire for openness can clash with your desire for privacy so compromise is necessary to make this relationship work.

Horse

The Horse is one of the more affable Chinese zodiac signs, and as such you get along with almost everyone. You like your nice things but you are competitive and ambitious, but your sense of humor is a big asset for you.

Best match: Tiger and Dog

These signs share your trine and you share common interests and a desire for truth and justice. Adventurers at heart, you can change the world together.

Worst match: Rat

The Rat stands opposite you in the Circle of Conflict. You find the Rat to be stuck in routine and unable to adapt to your spontaneous nature. However, this match can work if there are other compatibilities, such as an Ascendant sign.

Goat

If you were born in the year of the Goat, you are both a social butterfly and a loner. You just like your nights in, and prefer parties at your house than elsewhere.

Best match: Rabbit and Pig

These signs share the same trine as you, the Fourth Trine, and you share a love of harmony and comfort. There is nothing you like better than a cozy night in with your loved one, enjoying all the creature comforts that you can.

Worst match: Ox

The Ox stands opposite you in the Circle of Conflict. The Ox’s linear mind struggles to understand you at a deeper emotional level and this can create resentment. If you are both able to work through your differences on an emotional scale, this match can work.

Monkey

If you were born in the year of the Monkey you are witty, intelligent, and playful. You like to explore and investigate and you require a love match with someone who acknowledges your many talents while challenging you at the same time.

Best match: Rat and Dragon

These signs share your trine, the First Trine, and together you are able to find great success. You are on the same wavelength and able to connect to each other at a deeper level.

Worst match: Tiger

The Tiger is easily wound up and you are someone who can’t resist pulling their tail – so this match can be explosive! However, if you are both able to compromise, it can be a powerful and successful love match.

Rooster

Those born in the year of the Rooster have a lot of energy and so you don’t often put love on the front burner. You are hard-working and dedicated. You prefer matches that have the same kind of freedom in their life, but you do want commitment.

Best match: Ox and Snake

Sharing the Second Trine with you, these signs appreciate your focused and driven nature and you share similar humor too. A match with either of these signs can result in a long-lasted relationship of mutual respect.

Worst match: Rabbit

You find the Rabbit too unwilling to leave their comfort zone at times. Their passive nature can be frustrating for you. If you are able to reach mutual agreements, however, this could work.

Dog

As the Dog, you embody the qualities of man’s best friend, are loyal, have a sincere heart, love unconditionally, and you also like taking the lead. You also like the great outdoors!

Best match: Tiger and Horse

These signs share the Third Trine with you and they both share your sense of humanitarianism. Together, you are able to fight for causes that are dear to you both and you all bring out the best in each other.

Worst match: Dragon

A clash of personality is common here. You may not be willing to submit to the Dragon’s authority. The Dragon can be one-sided whereas you prefer to see things from every angle. Compromise is key to making this relationship work.

Pig

Those born in the year of the Pig model the qualities of the “happier than a pig in mud” mindset. You are pretty easy to please and your Chinese zodiac love compatibility reflects that. You get along with everybody, so to be honest, you have a lot of perfect matches!

Best match: Rabbit and Goat

These signs share the Fourth Trine with you in the zodiac and together you embody peace and harmony. Conflicts are easily resolved with these signs and many memories of joy can be created together.

Worst match: Snake

The Snake does not often share its emotions freely and you are someone who prefers openness in relationships. You feel that to be at one with your partner means to become one with your partner. If mutual understanding in this area can be attained, this could be a successful match.

Compatibility Based On Elements

Elements can make a big difference when it comes to compatibility, even if the two signs are not traditionally compatible.

Below is a list of elements and the signs associated with these elements.
There are two compatibility characteristics based on the elements in Chinese Astrology and these are either “overcoming/destroying” or “generating/creating.”

Metal signs: Monkey and Rooster
Wood signs: Tiger and Rabbit
Water signs: Rat and Pig
Fire signs: Snake and Horse
Earth signs: Ox, Dragon, Goat, and Dog

In short, overcoming/destroying is negative – this is when energies clash with each other.

Generating/creating relationships is positive – this is when energies are in harmony with one another.

So if you have a Fire Tiger with a Wood Monkey, even though the Tiger and Monkey are not traditionally compatible, Fire and Wood are a harmonious combination and this makes the relationship a more positive match!

Overcoming/Destroying Relationships

Metal chops Wood.
Water extinguishes Fire.
Fire melts Metal.
Earth absorbs Water.
Wood splits Earth.

Generating/Creating Relationships

Earth holds Metal.
Metal holds Water.
Fire creates Earth.
Wood fuels Fire.
Water grows Wood.

Related article: Guide to the Elements of Chinese Astrology

Compatibility Based on Yin & Yang

Yin and Yang are everywhere in nature.

Hot and cold, loud and quiet, anxious and calm, or masculine and feminine. Essentially the Yin energy is considered to be receptive, intuitive, and feminine while the Yang energy is considered to be giving, logical, and masculine.
Yin signs will struggle a bit more in relationships with each other, as will Yang signs when they are put together.

The Yang signs: Monkey, Tiger, Rat, Horse, Dragon, and Dog.
The Yin signs: Rooster, Rabbit, Pig, Snake, Ox, and Goat.

However, this does not mean that the relationships are doomed to fail. When a Yin is placed with another Yin or a Yang is placed with another Yang, it means that greater compromise and understanding must be found between the two, and in fact, this can lead to a stronger relationship as mutual trust and respect is built.

Read this next: Enemies of the Chinese Zodiac

What Does Compatibility Really Mean?

As you can see, compatibility is rarely a simple thing.

Some signs may be compatible with others but that doesn’t mean a relationship is doomed to fail!

So if you are a Rat and you find yourself meeting a Horse, don’t automatically think this person is not the one for you just because you are traditional enemies in the Chinese Zodiac!

There are so many factors at play when it comes to compatibility and in astrology, it is more than just a sign that helps determine whether someone is compatible with another. Elements, Yin/Yang, environment, personality, and experiences all also play a role.

Above all, a relationship takes hard work. In the end, any sign can form a loving long-lasting relationship with another, so long as both are willing to work hard at building trust and mutual respect.

Let Chinese Zodiac compatibility be a guide to you as you navigate through 2022. Whether you are in a long-term relationship, a budding romance, single and ready to mingle, or just single and happy with it, this guide can help you on your romantic journey!