1986 Chinese Zodiac: Fire Tiger
People born in 1986 are Yang Fire Tigers, with one important exception: the first weeks of the year.
Quick answer
The 1986 zodiac year ran from February 9, 1986 to January 28, 1987. If you were born on or after February 9, 1986, your sign is the Fire Tiger. If you were born earlier in 1986, you belong to the Wood Ox of 1985.
Fire Tiger personality
Brave, magnetic and competitive.
The Tiger is the third animal of the zodiac, a symbol of courage and authority. Tigers are confident, adventurous and passionate, with a magnetic presence that draws others in.
Fire years add passion, enthusiasm and boldness. Fire people tend to be dynamic, expressive and quick to act.
Strengths: Courageous and confident, Charismatic leader, Generous and passionate, Adventurous, Protective of loved ones. Watch for: Impulsive, Rebellious toward authority, Competitive, Restless, Quick-tempered.
Read the full Tiger guide for love, career and compatibility.
Born early in 1986?
The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1986, Chinese New Year fell on February 9, 1986. Anyone born before that date is a Wood Ox instead. See the Ox guide.
1986 zodiac year facts
- Chinese New Year 1986 fell on a Sunday, February 9, 1986.
- The Tiger year lasted 354 days, slightly shorter than a calendar year.
- Anyone born in the first 39 days of 1986 (January 1 to February 9, 1986) belongs to the previous sign.
- People born in 1986 turn 40 or 39 during 2026, depending on their birthday.
Other Tiger years: 1962, 1974, 1998, 2010. Each has a different element, which colors the animal's traits.
Tiger compatibility
The Tiger is traditionally most harmonious with Horse and Dog, and tends to clash with the Monkey.
Near 1986, the Tiger's harmonious partners were born in: Horse: 1990; Dog: 1982.
The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition offered for reflection and entertainment.