27 August 2026

12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

Ox Chinese Zodiac Sign

牛Chou丑

The Ox is paired with the 丑 (Chou) earthly branch. Below are its calendar years, traditional character, five elements, and traditional compatibility groupings.

Ox years:

Traditional character

Commonly described strengths
steady, patient, dependable
Commonly described challenges
stubborn, reserved

Traditional interpretation

These traits are part of cultural and traditional interpretation. They are provided for educational and cultural purposes only — not as a personality assessment.

Five Ox elements

  • Wood
    Born in years ending in 51925, 1985, 2045
  • Fire
    Born in years ending in 71937, 1997, 2057
  • Earth
    Born in years ending in 91949, 2009, 2069
  • Metal
    Born in years ending in 11961, 2021, 2081
  • Water
    Born in years ending in 31913, 1973, 2033

Compatibility overview

Often paired with Rat, Snake, Rooster.

Goat

Traditionally more challenging with Goat.

See compatibility guide

Ox years and exact dates

Every Ox year, with its element and exact Chinese New Year dates
Ox yearElementComplete nameBeginsEnds
1901MetalYin Metal Ox19 February 19017 February 1902
1913WaterYin Water Ox6 February 191325 January 1914
1925WoodYin Wood Ox24 January 192512 February 1926
1937FireYin Fire Ox11 February 193730 January 1938
1949EarthYin Earth Ox29 January 194916 February 1950
1961MetalYin Metal Ox15 February 19614 February 1962
1973WaterYin Water Ox3 February 197322 January 1974
1985WoodYin Wood Ox20 February 19858 February 1986
1997FireYin Fire Ox7 February 199727 January 1998
2009EarthYin Earth Ox26 January 200913 February 2010
2021MetalYin Metal Ox12 February 202131 January 2022
2033WaterYin Water Ox31 January 203318 February 2034
2045WoodYin Wood Ox17 February 20455 February 2046
2057FireYin Fire Ox4 February 205723 January 2058
2069EarthYin Earth Ox23 January 206910 February 2070
2081MetalYin Metal Ox9 February 208128 January 2082
2093WaterYin Water Ox27 January 209314 February 2094

People born before Chinese New Year belong to the preceding animal year — check an exact birth date with the calculator.