What are the personality traits of the Rat?

The Rat is commonly described as vif d’esprit, ingénieux, polyvalent et gentil. Frequently mentioned strengths include highly adaptable and observant and natural charm and social intelligence.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with the Rat?

The Rat usually works most smoothly with Dragon et Singe. Tension is more often noted with Cheval, Coq.

What years belong to the Rat?

Recent Rat years include 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020. The cycle repeats every 12 years.

What element is associated with the Rat?

The Rat's fixed element is Eau. Each individual Rat year also carries a yearly element, which is why Fire Rat and Water Rat are not read the same way.

Is the Rat yin or yang?

The Rat is Yang. Yang signs are usually read as more active and outward.

Rat Chinese Zodiac Sign

鼠 (Shu) · #1 / 12 · Yang · ZI Branch

💧 WaterHiver · Nord · 11 PM - 1 AM

Rat Traits de personnalité

People born in the Year of the Rat are often described as vif d’esprit, ingénieux, polyvalent et gentil. The Rat ranks #1 in the zodiac cycle and carries the fixed Eau element, which adds intuitive, wise et adaptable qualities to the reading. As a yang sign, it is usually read as more outward and active.

The Rat's hour is 11 PM - 1 AM. In traditional reading, that time is linked with transition and fresh beginnings. It also connects with the ZI branch, the Nord direction, and the Hiver season.

Points forts

✓Highly adaptable and observant
✓Natural charm and social intelligence
✓Strong instinct for opportunities
✓Excellent problem-solving skills
✓Thrifty and good with finances

Faiblesses

✗Can be overly cautious or timid
✗Tendency toward stubbornness
✗May be critical of others
✗Sometimes lacks courage to take big risks
✗Can be opportunistic

Rat by Element

Each 12-year cycle pairs the Rat branch with a different yearly phase. The animal stays the same, but the tone of the reading shifts.

Bois Rat Wood

Years: 1924, 1984

Bois Rat is usually read as Rat with a more more expansive, ideal-driven, and developmental yearly tone.

Feu Rat Fire

Years: 1936, 1996

Feu Rat is usually read as Rat with a more more visible, urgent, and expressive yearly tone.

Terre Rat Earth

Years: 1948, 2008

Terre Rat is usually read as Rat with a more more grounded, measured, and durable yearly tone.

Métal Rat Metal

Years: 1960, 2020

Métal Rat is usually read as Rat with a more more disciplined, exacting, and self-controlled yearly tone.

Eau Rat Water

Years: 1972

Eau Rat is usually read as Rat with a more more perceptive, adaptive, and inwardly strategic yearly tone.

Method note: This site uses Lunar New Year as the year boundary for general zodiac-sign pages. Some BaZi schools instead mark the year at Li Chun, so advanced chart interpretations may differ.