The Rat: clever, quick and resourceful
The Rat is the first animal of the Chinese zodiac: sharp, charming and always one step ahead. Here is everything about Rat personality, love, work, friends and clashes, plus every Rat year.
The full deep dive
The story of the Rat
In the legend of the Great Race, the Rat could not swim, so it asked the kind Ox for a ride across the river. Just as the Ox reached the far bank, the Rat leapt from its head and crossed the finish line first. It is a story about wit beating strength, and it sums up the Rat perfectly.
Personality
Rats are quick thinkers with a talent for spotting chances other people walk straight past. They are sociable and charming, and they usually know a little about everyone. Under the chatter is a careful planner who likes to feel secure, keeps a little something saved for a rainy day, and rarely goes into anything without a back-up plan.
In love
In love, the Rat is devoted and attentive once trust is earned. They show care in practical ways: remembering what you like, solving your problems, making sure the cupboard is full. They need a partner who enjoys conversation and does not mind a busy social diary.
At work
Rats thrive anywhere that rewards fast, clever thinking: business, research, writing, trading and anything with a puzzle to crack. They are natural networkers and often do well working for themselves.
Something to watch
The Rat’s need for security can tip into worry, and they can hold on too tightly to money, plans or people. Learning to trust that there will be enough is the Rat’s lifelong lesson.
Friends, secret friend and clash
- Friend group: the Rat shares its sea green colour on the wheel with the Dragon and the Monkey. Together they are the Thinkers, and they understand each other easily.
- Secret friend: the Ox. This quiet, loyal bond is shown by a matching jewel on the inner ring.
- Clash: the Horse, directly opposite on the wheel. The two pull in opposite directions, which can mean friction, or real growth if both are willing to learn.
You can read more in Friend groups, secret friends and clashes.
Element and season
The Rat’s own fixed element is Water, and it is a Yang sign. It belongs to winter on the wheel. Every Rat year also carries a year element, which changes in a ten-year cycle, so a Fire Rat and a Water Rat share the same heart but show it differently. See The five elements for how the elements work.
Lucky things
Traditionally, the Rat’s lucky numbers are 2 and 3, its lucky colours are blue, gold and green, and its lucky flowers are lily and African violet.
Rat years
Your animal changes at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January. If you were born in January or early February, check the dates below carefully: you may belong to the animal before.
| Year | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Rat | 5 February 1924 | 23 January 1925 |
| Fire Rat | 24 January 1936 | 10 February 1937 |
| Earth Rat | 10 February 1948 | 28 January 1949 |
| Metal Rat | 28 January 1960 | 14 February 1961 |
| Water Rat | 15 February 1972 | 2 February 1973 |
| Wood Rat | 2 February 1984 | 19 February 1985 |
| Fire Rat | 19 February 1996 | 6 February 1997 |
| Earth Rat | 7 February 2008 | 25 January 2009 |
| Metal Rat | 25 January 2020 | 11 February 2021 |
Sources and perspectives
- Theodora Lau, The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes
- Derek Walters, The Complete Guide to Chinese Astrology
- Hong Kong Observatory, the Chinese calendar