Year of the Tiger: Chinese zodiac personality and compatibility

What is a person born in the Year of the Tiger like?

The Tiger's fixed element is Wood and its energy is yang. Tigers are energetic, generous and fight for fairness. Routine wears them out and they love adventure. At times they act on impulse and find criticism hard to take.

• Strength: courage and charisma
• Weakness: impulsiveness and impatience

Which years are Tiger years?

The Chinese year does not begin on 1 January but at Chinese New Year, which falls in late January or February. If you were born in January or early February, check the exact date of your year.

• 1938, Earth Tiger
• 1950, Metal Tiger
• 1962, Water Tiger
• 1974, Wood Tiger
• 1986, Fire Tiger
• 1998, Earth Tiger
• 2010, Metal Tiger
• 2022, Water Tiger

Who is the Tiger compatible with?

By Chinese tradition, the Tiger gets on best with the signs that share its triangle on the zodiac wheel, and with one secret friend. The hardest match is its opposite sign, though that is a tendency, not a verdict.

• Best matches: Horse, Dog
• Secret friend: Pig
• Difficult match: Monkey

The Tiger in 2027: what will the Year of the Fire Goat bring?

The Fire element of 2027 feeds the Tiger's energy: a good time for creative ideas, new projects and an active life. Watch overspending and hasty decisions. In relationships, listening more brings more warmth.

Lucky numbers, colours and directions for the Tiger

Chinese tradition links every sign with its own lucky numbers, colours and directions. Sources differ a little, so treat these as symbolic and fun.

• Numbers: 1, 3, 4
• Colours: blue, grey, orange
• Directions: east, north, south