Rat Chinese Zodiac (鼠 子): Years, Compatibility, and Clashes
The Rat is the sign for people born in 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, counted from Li Chun (around 4 February) each year rather than from 1 January or Lunar New Year. Its element is Water (yang). The Rat matches best with the Ox and clashes with the Horse.
Rat years and when each one starts
Each Rat year begins at the exact moment of Li Chun, shown here in WIB (UTC+7). Born before that moment, your sign is still the previous year's.
| Year | Sign | Starts at Li Chun |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Fire Rat | 5 February 1936 at 06:29 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 1948 | Earth Rat | 5 February 1948 at 04:42 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 1960 | Metal Rat | 5 February 1960 at 02:23 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 1972 | Water Rat | 5 February 1972 at 00:20 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 1984 | Wood Rat | 4 February 1984 at 22:18 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 1996 | Fire Rat | 4 February 1996 at 20:07 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 2008 | Earth Rat | 4 February 2008 at 18:00 WIB (UTC+7) |
| 2020 | Metal Rat | 4 February 2020 at 16:03 WIB (UTC+7) |
Rat traits in Chinese tradition
Chinese tradition links the Rat with quick wits, an eye for openings, and a habit of saving for later.
The year sign is one of eight characters in a BaZi chart. Two people with the same sign can read very differently once the month, day, and hour are in. See your full chart in the BaZi calculator.
Which signs match the Rat?
In the branch tables SPYLL's calculator uses, the Rat's six-harmony (六合) partner is the Ox, and it shares a three-harmony (三合) group with the Dragon and Monkey. These pairs tend to cooperate easily. For a couple, the year sign is one of eight characters in each chart, so compare the full charts before reading much into it.
Which sign does the Rat clash with?
The Rat clashes (冲) with the Horse: the two sit opposite each other in the twelve-branch cycle. It also has a harm (害) relation with the Goat, and a punishment (刑) relation with the Rabbit. A clash describes friction worth noticing, such as different rhythms or priorities, not a reason to avoid anyone.
The Rat in 2027
2027 is the year of the Fire Goat, starting at Li Chun on 4 February 2027 at 08:46 WIB (UTC+7). The Rat has a harm (害) relation with 2027: small frictions that are easy to miss, like misunderstandings or slipped promises.
Not sure of your sign? Check your birth date
Rat FAQ
Born in January 2020, am I a Rat?
Only if you were born after Li Chun. The shio year turns at Li Chun, which fell on 4 February 2020 at 16:03 WIB (UTC+7). Anyone born from 1 January up to that moment is still a Pig, even though the calendar already says 2020.
Which signs are compatible with the Rat?
In the branch tables SPYLL's calculator uses, the Rat's six-harmony (六合) partner is the Ox, and it shares a three-harmony (三合) group with the Dragon and Monkey. These pairs tend to cooperate easily. For a couple, the year sign is one of eight characters in each chart, so compare the full charts before reading much into it.
Which sign does the Rat clash with?
The Rat clashes (冲) with the Horse: the two sit opposite each other in the twelve-branch cycle. It also has a harm (害) relation with the Goat, and a punishment (刑) relation with the Rabbit. A clash describes friction worth noticing, such as different rhythms or priorities, not a reason to avoid anyone.
How does the Rat fare in 2027?
2027 is the year of the Fire Goat, starting at Li Chun on 4 February 2027 at 08:46 WIB (UTC+7). The Rat has a harm (害) relation with 2027: small frictions that are easy to miss, like misunderstandings or slipped promises.