Whether you were born during the Year of the Tiger or have a Tiger in your life, I know you’re probably here because you want to know what Tigers are like in love. Who are Tiger’s best matches? Who are Tiger’s worst matches? Here’s your guide to all things Tiger Compatibility.
Tiger Chinese Zodiac Compatibility: The Best and Worst Romantic Matches
Can a Tiger and a Pig run off into the sunset?
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Published Dec 23, 2024
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About the Astrologer
Jaime Wright pens moon missives, an ever-evolving astrology writing project that began in 2016. First as an email zine (2016-17); then a quarterly astro journal (2017-18); occasionally an intermittent horoscope download (2018-21); and now a weekly astro-cultural newsletter (2021-present). She also writes a weekly and monthly horoscope column for PureWow, hosts the good fortune! podcast, and is the house astrologer for Jovian, and Errands.
A Quick Refresher on the Chinese Zodiac Signs and Finding Your Sign
You probably know that the Chinese zodiac is a 12-year continuous cycle based on the lunar calendar. This cycle renews at the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival every late January or early February, marking the transition from one animal sign to the next.
The origins of the Chinese zodiac date back 2,000 years to the Qin Dynasty. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor summoned the animals of the kingdom to his palace for a banquet in what became a “Great Race.” The order in which they arrived for the feast determined their zodiacal order and informed each sign’s characteristics. Though it has origins in zoolatry (or animal worship), this system has remained popular in China and throughout Asia for thousands of years because of its rich history, and for its use in determining not just compatibility, but one’s fortune for the year, career trajectories, fertility, and much more.
Beyond the animal association, each sign also correlates to one of the 12 earthly branches (the original animal year), ten celestial stems and five natural elements. The elements—wood, fire, earth, metal or water—are derived from the Five Elements Theory (Wu Xing) which describes the interdependence between all things. This theory forms the basis not just for Chinese astrology, but for other Eastern traditions like feng shui, holistic medicine, acupuncture, divination (such as the I Ching) and martial arts. These elements form the basis for the qualities of each sign and are super important when it comes to determining compatibility!
The Chinese Zodiac Signs Are:
- Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020)
- Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021)
- Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022)
- Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023)
- Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012)
- Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013)
- Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014)
- Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015)
- Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016)
- Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017)
- Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018)
- Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019)
Those born in January or February should consult this calculator as you were born around the Lunar New Year when the signs switch over.
What’s the Year of the Tiger Personality?
The Tiger was the third to arrive at the Jade Emperor’s Palace after the race was summoned, arriving just behind the Rat and The Ox (who traveled together). Tigers are very ambitious and are known for both their tenacity and their charm. Tigers are associated with yang (masculine, active) energy, and though some might find them brash or dominating—and they can be!—they’re also trustworthy leaders who stick to their word. Just don’t tell them what to do.
Three key words to describe the Tiger personality would be: confident, independent, and bold.
What Are Tigers like in Love?
Tigers approach love as they do every other aspect of life: boldly. When Tigers are into someone, they go all in, but their exuberance can sometimes read as pushiness. They go hard in the courtship phase but chill out when things go official. Once committed, Tigers are amazing partners, especially when they’re with someone equally passionate.
Who Is Most Compatible with a Tiger?
A cheat sheet for compatibility in the zodiac is something called “triangles of affinity.” These are four groups of three signs who are most compatible with each other based on their temperament and other elemental qualities. Tigers are most compatible with their fellow “quick wits”: Dogs, Horses, and fellow Tigers.
Beyond the animal sign, compatibility can also depend on the element year you were born in (find yours here). Though Tiger and Snake are a difficult match, Tigers born in 1998 and Snakes born in 1989 share the Earth element, and thus have more in common than these two signs normally would.
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Tiger and Horse Compatibility: 10 Out of 10
- Horse Years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014
Tiger and Horse are two passionate zodiac signs who meet each other’s energy and ambition with ease. These two love to egg each other on! Rather than clashing, they share their dreams naturally, building a partnership of admiration and mutual respect. For Tiger, a partner needs to be both likable and admirable. Horse’s confidence and zest for life make them a perfect match, creating a bond where both move forward side by side.
A classic example of this pairing in the public eye is Megan Fox (Tiger) and Machine Gun Kelly (Horse). Their “twin flame” relationship may ebb toward the toxic, but no one can deny how dynamic they are together.
Tiger and Dog Compatibility: 10 Out of 10
- Dog Years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018
Tiger and Dog are a match made in heaven. Dog brings a noteworthy lack of ego to any relationship while Tiger brings a “protect them at all costs” energy. Both are extremely loyal partners, and while they’re super supportive, they also both have a keen sense of right and wrong. Together, these two create their own utopia of kindness, a place many will want to live.
Tiger and Pig Compatibility: 8 Out of 10
- Pig Years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 and 2019
Tiger and Pig might seem like an unlikely match, but their dynamic is super sweet. Tiger is instantly charmed by Pig’s laid-back attitude and generous nature. Pig, in turn, feels inspired by Tiger’s ambition, motivating them to pursue their own goals. Together, they balance each other out. Tiger finds a soothing partner in Pig and Pig grows alongside their bold counterpart.
Tiger and Dragon Compatibility: 7 Out of 10
- Dragon Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012
Tiger and Dragon are a pairing with power couple vibes. The ambitious Tiger and fierce Dragon can move mountains together, but drama can definitely arise when trying to form a long term partnership. Both signs are extremely competitive and enjoy the “chase” part of a courtship, almost getting high off the power of landing such a “catch.” Though sometimes the generous Tiger and the altruistic Dragon are willing to share that spotlight, issues come up when their values aren’t aligned.
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Tiger and Goat Compatibility: 7 out of 10
- Goat Years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015
Though Tiger and Goat have very different temperaments, these two are both big-hearted and obsessed with love which makes them a great match. Tigers usually pursue the more laid back and emotional Goat. Goat entices the Tiger with their sensual, almost ethereal nature. A great example of this combo in the public sphere is Robert Pattinson (Tiger) and Suki Waterhouse (Goat). Tiger’s assertiveness and Goat’s tenderness make this a very loving and lasting connection.
Tiger and Rat Compatibility: 7 Out of 10
- Rat Years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020
Tiger and Rat have a shared optimism that can make this a compelling match. Both of these signs are go-getters and though Tiger may be more “above board” than the forever scheming rat, there’s a lot of mutual respect in this connection. Though Rats might be overwhelmed by Tiger in the dating phase, once these two commit, it’s an amazing combination of brains (Rat) and bravery (Tiger).
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Tiger and Ox Compatibility: 6 out of 10
- Ox Years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021
When Tiger and Ox come together, it really is a case of opposites attract. Tigers are fun-loving and performative while Oxes are disciplined and prefer a simpler lifestyle. But in the right combination, these two can really balance each other out. The Ox provides a steady and reliable foundation and the Tiger fills that world with technicolor. Though it’s not a confirmed relationship, Only Murders in the Building co-stars Meryl Streep (Ox) and Martin Short (Tiger) are a wonderful example of this dynamic. Even if they’re “just friends.”
Tiger and Rooster Compatibility: 5 Out of 10
- Rooster Years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017
Tiger and Rooster are an odd couple, but not the worst. Courtship is great for these two as they both naturally want to impress and be with someone impressive. But once the honeymoon fades, Rooster is easily annoyed by the more easygoing Tiger while Tiger can’t relate to Rooster’s secret insecurities. Still, Rooster is inspired by Tiger’s zest for life and Tiger seriously admires Rooster’s fierce intelligence. This relationship is best when these two are a bit competitive with each other.
Tiger and Rabbit Compatibility: 5 Out of 10
- Rabbit Years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 and 2023
Tiger and Rabbit is another opposites attract combination. Extroverted Tiger might be too brash for the more introverted and even skittish Rabbit. Tigers are big on wooing and easily develop a crush on the gentle Rabbit, especially if they can sense that they’re a secret admirer or adoring fan. But after the chase, Tiger’s interest might fizzle as they want a more daring partner who can match their energy.
Tiger and Monkey Compatibility: 3 Out of 10
- Monkey Years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016
Tiger and Monkey are a challenging match. Tiger’s strong will clashes with Monkey’s quick temper, and neither wants to back down during a disagreement. At their best, these two share a lot of heat in the bedroom. At their worst, they’re stubborn and selfish and can’t find any common ground. Though the attraction might be intense at first, this pairing tends to burn too hot before an inevitable breakup.
Tiger and Snake Compatibility: 2 Out of 10
- Snake Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013
This is a pairing of opposites but not in a particularly cute way. Tiger is fiery and direct, while Snake is cautious and reserved, making it hard for them to understand each other's perspectives. Snake finds Tiger overwhelming, while Tiger struggles with Snake’s guarded nature. Frankly, these two are suspicious of each other! This combo only works if these two do everything together, like being both business and romantic partners, and even then! Without common ground, it’s a very hard relationship to sustain.
