Rat and Ox compatibility
★★★★★ Excellent · Secret friends (six harmonies)
These two form one of the six harmonious pairs, sometimes called secret friends. Tradition says they balance and quietly look out for each other.
What each animal brings
Rat
Known as clever, resourceful, and quick to spot an opportunity.
Rats are charming and attentive partners who plan ahead and look after the people they love.
Needs: security and a partner who appreciates their cleverness.
Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 (each year begins at Lunar New Year).
Ox
Known as hardworking, patient, and dependable.
Oxen are steady, faithful partners who show love through hard work and keeping promises.
Needs: stability, routine, and loyalty.
Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 (each year begins at Lunar New Year).
In love
Rat wants security and a partner who appreciates their cleverness, while Ox wants stability, routine, and loyalty. These needs fit together well when each partner keeps showing up for the other.
As friends
Tradition sees these two as natural allies who trust each other quickly and enjoy working toward shared goals.
Making it work
- Lean on each other’s strengths; you balance naturally.
- Say thank you out loud for the quiet ways you support each other.
- Money, family, and future plans matter more than birth years. Take our couple quiz together to see where you agree.
Common questions
Are Rat and Ox a good match?
Traditional Chinese astrology rates this pairing as excellent (secret friends (six harmonies)). Full readings also consider the year’s element and the month, day, and hour of birth. There is no scientific evidence that birth years predict relationships.
What are the best matches for a Rat and a Ox?
Rat: Ox, Dragon, Monkey. Ox: Rat, Snake, Rooster.
Born in January or February?
Your animal may be the previous year’s. Use the checker with your full birthday for the exact animal.