鼠
Year of the Rat
鼠 , in speech 老鼠 . Born in 1984, 1996, 2008 or 2020? Here is what tradition says about you, who you match, and the sayings to know.
Rat personality
The Rat comes first of the twelve: in the old story of the Great Race it rode across the river on the Ox’s back and jumped off at the finish. People born in a Rat year are said to be quick-witted and resourceful, the first to spot a chance and careful to save for a rainy day.
Strengths
- 机灵 quick-witted
- 节俭 thrifty
- 适应力强 adaptable
Watch out for
- 多疑 suspicious
- 胆小 timid
Best matches and clash
2026, the Year of the Horse, clashes with your sign, 冲太岁 (chōng tài suì). Tradition says to take it steady, and red is said to help.
Sayings with the Rat
- 胆小如鼠 as timid as a mouse
- 鼠目寸光 a rat’s eyes see an inch: short-sighted
Rat years and their elements
- 1924 甲子 Wood
- 1936 丙子 Fire
- 1948 戊子 Earth
- 1960 庚子 Metal
- 1972 壬子 Water
- 1984 甲子 Wood
- 1996 丙子 Fire
- 2008 戊子 Earth
- 2020 庚子 Metal
What tradition says, for fun. The matches are the classical 三合 and 六合; 六冲 is the animal six years away.
Questions
What years are the Year of the Rat?
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020. Each year starts at Chinese New Year, so a January or February birthday can belong to the year before; put in your birthday on the zodiac finder to be sure.
Who is the Rat compatible with?
Tradition matches the Rat with the Dragon and the Monkey (三合, the three harmonies) and with the Ox (六合, its secret friend). It clashes with the Horse.
How do you say Rat in Chinese?
鼠 (shǔ). To say you were born in a Rat year, say 我属鼠 (wǒ shǔ shǔ).