Chinese Zodiac Sign Compatibility: Which Pairings Reign Supreme?

The twelve animals of Chinese astrology each possess a strong symbolism, stemming from millennia of tradition. For example, the Snake embodies wisdom, while the Tiger is the courageous protector. Because each Chinese sign has its own personality and vision of the world, they can't all get along perfectly. To avoid romantic or professional disappointments, it's essential to know the compatibility of Chinese signs.

Each sign is influenced by its Yin or Yang polarity:

• Yin dominant (Calm, Receptive): Buffalo, Rabbit, Snake, Goat, Rooster, Pig.
• Yang dominant (Active, Emissive): Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Dog.

What's my Chinese sign?

Before testing your love compatibility, make sure you know your exact sign! Since the Chinese New Year changes date every year, it's easy to make a mistake if you were born in January or February.

Compatibility details by sign

Chinese astrological compatibility isn't limited to love. It influences work relationships, friendship and family dynamics. Here are the winning duos and risky associations.

The Rat: Compatible with Dragon, Hare and Buffalo

In love, the Rat is passionate but anxious. He finds security and calm with the Dragon (who fascinates him) and the Ox (who stabilizes him). On the other hand, they get on famously with the Horse (their opposite), the Goat and the Rooster.

Buffalo: Compatible with Rat, Snake and Rooster

A stable, faithful earth sign, the Ox forms a solid, intellectual trio with the Snake and the Rooster. The Rat is his ideal partner for everyday life. He should avoid the Dragon, Horse, Goat and Dog, with whom communication is difficult.

Tiger : Compatible with Horse and Dog

The Tiger is a born leader, independent and courageous. He gets on wonderfully with the Horse and the Dog, who share his idealism and need for action. Relationships are conflictual with the Monkey (too mischievous for him) and the Snake.

The Hare (Rabbit): Compatible with the Goat, Dog and Pig

Diplomatic and refined, the Rabbit avoids conflict. He's a perfect match for the Goat (an artist like himself), the Pig and the Dog. He doesn't take kindly to the arrogance of the Rooster, the impatience of the Tiger or the rigidity of the Horse.

The Dragon: Compatible with Rat, Monkey and Rooster

Flamboyant and charismatic, Dragons need to be admired. The clever Rat and Monkey form a trio of "competitors". The Rooster flatters his ego. Beware of ego clashes with the Dog (his opposite) and the Ox.

The Snake: Compatible with Buffalo and Rooster

Mysterious and wise, the Snake loves depth. They get along perfectly with the Ox (for security) and the Rooster (for intellectual discussions). He should avoid the Pig (too naive for him) and the Tiger (too impulsive).

The Horse: Compatible with Tiger, Goat and Dog

Craving freedom, the Horse needs partners who won't stifle him. The Tiger and the Dog are his best allies for adventure. The Goat amuses him. On the other hand, the Rat (his polar opposite) and the Ox are to be avoided.

Goats: Compatible with Hare, Horse and Pig

Artistic and dreamy, the Goat needs protection. The Pig and the Hare understand them without speaking. Horses stimulate them. They can't stand the rigor of the Ox or the cold realism of the Rat.

Monkey: Compatible with Rat and Dragon

The Monkey is the most mischievous sign. It has a lot of fun with the Dragon and the Rat, with whom it shares a lively spirit. He has great difficulty understanding the Tiger (too serious) and the Snake.

The Rooster: Compatible with Buffalo, Dragon and Snake

Organized and concerned with their appearance, Roosters shine in society. He makes a formidable team with the Snake and the Buffalo. The Dragon is a good partner for going out. The Hare, too discreet, and the Dog, too worried, annoy him.

The Dog: Compatible with Tiger, Horse and Hare

Loyal and worried, the Dog seeks justice. He finds comfort in the Tiger and the Horse. The Hare soothes him. He doesn't get along with the Dragon (too superficial for him), the Goat and the Rooster.

The Pig: Compatible with the Goat and the Hare

Good-natured and generous, the Pig is often the prey of manipulators. He's safe with the Goat and the Hare. He should be wary of the Snake and the Monkey, who could take advantage of his kindness.

Compatibility chart

Find out at a glance which signs are friends and enemies:

Sign	Compatible with ❤	To avoid ⚡
Rat	Dragon, Hare, Buffalo	Horse, Goat, Rooster
Buffalo	Rat, Snake, Rooster	Dragon, Horse, Goat, Dog
Tiger	Horse, Dog	Snake, Monkey
Hare	Goat, Dog, Pig	Rooster, Rat, Horse
Dragon	Rat, Monkey, Rooster	Dog, Buffalo, Dragon
Snake	Buffalo, Rooster	Pig, Tiger
Horse	Tiger, Goat, Dog	Rat, Buffalo
Goat	Hare, Horse, Pig	Buffalo, Rat, Dog
Monkey	Rat, Dragon	Tiger, Snake
Rooster	Buffalo, Dragon, Snake	Hare, Dog
Dog	Tiger, Horse, Hare	Dragon, Goat, Rooster
Pig	Goat, Hare	Snake, Monkey

The 4 compatibility triangles: the key to harmony

Chinese astrology groups animals into 4 families of affinity. These signs share common values, guaranteeing an excellent match in love, friendship or work.

Your Chinese horoscope 2026: the year of the Fire Horse

Finally, this year's Lunar New Year takes place on February 17, 2026. This will usher in a Year of the Fire Horse, synonymous with action, passion and rapid change. Can you keep up? Find out in your Chinese horoscope 2026.

Expert advice: don't be fooled by appearances

While the above charts give an excellent general trend, love is a complex alchemy. In Chinese astrology, the sign of the year is not everything. The time of birth (the ascendant) and the element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) play a crucial role in nuancing a relationship.

Sometimes, two signs said to be "incompatible" can live a lasting passion thanks to the balance of their complete astral charts. Conversely, two friendly signs may experience karmic blockages.