Year of the Rat: Years, Personality, Compatibility and Gifts

October 7, 2026

The Rat is one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Recent Rat years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

Chinese New Year falls in late January or February, so if your birthday is early in the year, check whether you belong to the year before. Traditions vary; enjoy it for fun.

Rat years

1924
1936
1948: Born in 1948
1960: Born in 1960
1972: Born in 1972
1984: Born in 1984
1996: Born in 1996
2008: Born in 2008
2020

Rat personality traits

Quick-witted
Resourceful
Charming
Good with money
Adaptable

Compatibility

Traditionally best with: Dragon and Monkey
Traditionally clashes with: Horse

Gift ideas for a Rat

A clever puzzle
A smart wallet
A quiz game
Star sign gifts: Star sign gifts

Key things to remember

Add their zodiac animal to a birthday card for a personal touch.

Frequently asked questions

What years are the year of the Rat?

1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

Who is the Rat compatible with?

Traditionally the Dragon and the Monkey.

What is a good example of year of the Rat?

"Traditionally best with: Dragon and Monkey" is one of 20 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

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