The Ox 牛
dependable · patient · methodical · honest
Ox personality
Best traits: dependable, patient, methodical, honest. The Ox is the steady worker of the zodiac: disciplined, calm under pressure, and trusted to finish what it starts. Loyalty runs deep.
Weak spots: Oxen can be stubborn, slow to change their mind, and uneasy with small talk. They may bottle up feelings rather than discuss them.
Ox years
People born in these years are Oxs (check the Chinese New Year cut-off if you were born in January or February):
1937 · 1949 · 1961 · 1973 · 1985 · 1997 · 2009 · 2021 · 2033
Ox compatibility
- Best match: Rat — the classic "secret friend" pairing.
- Also strong: Snake, Rooster (same affinity triangle).
- Hardest match: Goat (direct opposition).
See how the Ox pairs with all 12 signs →
The Ox by element
Every Ox also has one of five elements, set by the birth year: Wood Ox · Fire Ox · Earth Ox · Metal Ox · Water Ox. The element colours the personality — see how the five elements work.
Lucky for the Ox
Numbers: 1, 4. Colors: white, yellow, green. Suggested careers: engineer, doctor, farmer, judge, craftsman.
Frequently asked questions
What years are Ox years?
Recent Ox years are 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033. They repeat every 12 years. If you were born in January or February, check the Chinese New Year date for your year.
What is the Ox personality like?
The Ox is the steady worker of the zodiac: disciplined, calm under pressure, and trusted to finish what it starts. Loyalty runs deep. On the difficult side: Oxen can be stubborn, slow to change their mind, and uneasy with small talk. They may bottle up feelings rather than discuss them.
Who is the Ox most compatible with?
The Rat (the "secret friend" pairing), plus the Snake and Rooster. The hardest match is the Goat.
Is the Ox a lucky sign?
No sign is luckier than another in the Chinese zodiac — each has strengths and weaknesses. The Ox's lucky numbers are 1, 4 and lucky colors are white, yellow, green.