1984 Chinese Zodiac: Wood Rat

Wood Rat personality

Quick-witted, resourceful and charming.

The Rat is the first animal of the Chinese zodiac. In the traditional story the Rat won the great river race by riding on the Ox and jumping ahead at the finish, which is a fair summary of its character: clever, adaptable and good at spotting opportunities.

Wood years add growth, creativity and flexibility. Wood people tend to be idealistic, cooperative and always learning.

Strengths: Intelligent and adaptable, Resourceful problem-solver, Charming and sociable, Good with money, Quick to see opportunity. Watch for: Anxious, Overly cautious or calculating, Can be manipulative when stressed, Hoards time or money, Gossip-prone.

Read the full Rat guide for love, career and compatibility.

Born early in 1984?

The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1984, Chinese New Year fell on February 2, 1984. Anyone born before that date is a Water Pig instead. See the Pig guide.

1984 zodiac year facts

• Chinese New Year 1984 fell on a Thursday, February 2, 1984.
• The Rat year lasted 384 days, longer than a calendar year because the lunisolar calendar added a leap month.
• Anyone born in the first 32 days of 1984 (January 1 to February 2, 1984) belongs to the previous sign.
• People born in 1984 turn 42 or 41 during 2026, depending on their birthday.

Other Rat years: 1960, 1972, 1996, 2008. Each has a different element, which colors the animal's traits.

Rat compatibility

The Rat is traditionally most harmonious with Dragon and Monkey, and tends to clash with the Horse.

Near 1984, the Rat's harmonious partners were born in: Dragon: 1988; Monkey: 1980.