Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: Best and Worst Matches for Every Sign

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How Chinese zodiac compatibility works

Western compatibility compares sun signs. Chinese compatibility compares earthly branches, the twelve animals, through a handful of classical relationships:

  • Six Harmonies (六合): six pairs that combine naturally. The closest bond.
  • Three Harmonies (三合): four groups of three signs that share an element and work well together.
  • Clash (六冲): signs directly opposite each other on the zodiac wheel. Opposite natures, lots of movement.
  • Harm (六害): pairs with quieter friction, like misunderstandings and crossed wires.

The compatibility chart

SignBest match (Six Harmony)Allies (Three Harmony)ClashHarm
RatOxDragon, MonkeyHorseGoat
OxRatSnake, RoosterGoatHorse
TigerPigHorse, DogMonkeySnake
RabbitDogGoat, PigRoosterDragon
DragonRoosterRat, MonkeyDogRabbit
SnakeMonkeyOx, RoosterPigTiger
HorseGoatTiger, DogRatOx
GoatHorseRabbit, PigOxRat
MonkeySnakeRat, DragonTigerPig
RoosterDragonOx, SnakeRabbitDog
DogRabbitTiger, HorseDragonRooster
PigTigerRabbit, GoatSnakeMonkey

Don’t know your sign? Find it from your birth year, and remember the Chinese year begins at Lunar New Year, not January 1 (details).

The four Three Harmony groups

Each group shares an element, and people within a group are said to understand each other’s goals:

GroupElementTraditional character
Monkey, Rat, DragonWaterQuick, ambitious, action-oriented
Pig, Rabbit, GoatWoodKind, cooperative, artistic
Tiger, Horse, DogFirePassionate, loyal, principled
Snake, Rooster, OxMetalMethodical, determined, detail-minded

Why your animal is only the start

A full Chinese birth chart, called BaZi, has eight characters: a stem and a branch for the year, month, day and hour of birth. The zodiac animal is just the year branch. Traditional matchmaking (合婚) pays more attention to:

  • The day branch, known as the spouse palace, which describes how you behave in close relationships;
  • Element balance, meaning whether each person supplies what the other’s chart lacks;
  • Timing, meaning whether both people are entering supportive or turbulent periods at the same time.

So a clashing pair of animals can still have well-matched charts, and a Six Harmony pair can still struggle. Treat the chart above as a conversation starter.

Compatibility with the year itself

The same relationships apply between you and each year. In 2027, the Year of the Goat, the Horse, Rabbit and Pig are in harmony with the year, while the Ox clashes with it. See Chinese Zodiac 2027 for all twelve signs.

For decisions you make together, such as when to sign a lease, launch a business or have an important conversation, Qi Men Dun Jia helps choose the timing. Try the free AI charting tool.

Related reading: What Is My Chinese Element?, Qi Men Dun Jia for Beginners.

FAQ

Are two people of the same sign compatible?

Usually well enough, since there is no clash between identical branches. The exception is the Dragon, Horse, Rooster and Pig, whose branches are traditionally said to punish themselves, so two people of those signs may push each other's weak spots.

Rat and Horse clash. Does that mean the relationship will fail?

No. A clash means opposite natures and more movement, which can also mean attraction and growth. Traditional matchmaking looks at both people's full charts, especially the day pillars, before drawing conclusions.

Does compatibility apply to business partners too?

Yes. The same relationships are read for friendships, partnerships and teams, not just romance.