Year of The Ox Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Ox Chinese Zodiac Sign – Traits, Personality & Compatibility
A Strong and Steady Spirit
In Chinese astrology, the Ox is the second sign of the zodiac, symbolizing patience, perseverance, and loyalty. People born in the Year of the Ox are known for their quiet strength, responsibility, and grounded nature. They are not afraid of hard work and often take on great burdens without complaint — becoming the backbone of any team or family.
If you were born in the Year of the Ox, your personality likely leans toward discipline, moral clarity, and long-term vision. Let’s explore your personality traits, love compatibility, elemental influence, and more to better understand what it means to be an Ox in Chinese astrology.
Zodiac Years of the Ox
1937-1938
Fire Ox
February 11, 1937 – January 30, 1938
1949-1950
Earth Ox
January 29, 1949 – February 16, 1950
1961-1962
Metal Ox
February 15, 1961 – February 4, 1962
1973-1974
Water Ox
February 3, 1973 – January 22, 1974
1985-1986
Wood Ox
February 20, 1985 – February 8, 1986
1997-1998
Fire Ox
February 7, 1997 – January 27, 1998
2009-2010
Earth Ox
January 26, 2009 – February 13, 2010
2021-2022
Metal Ox
February 12, 2021 – January 31, 2022
Note: If your birthday falls in January or February, double-check the date range above, as the Chinese New Year varies each year.
Chinese Zodiac Calculator
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Personality Traits of the Ox Zodiac
People born in the Year of the Ox are admired for their strength, patience, and moral integrity. They rarely seek attention but earn respect through consistent action and unwavering reliability.
Strengths
Steady and dependable
Loyal and trustworthy
Strong leadership without ego
Patient and detail-oriented
Honest and morally grounded
Weaknesses
Can be stubborn or inflexible
Dislikes sudden changes
Emotionally reserved or overly serious
Prone to overwork or isolation
Ox individuals are planners and doers. They often prefer to stay in the background, focusing on results instead of recognition. Once committed, they rarely give up — even if it takes years to achieve their goal.
Influence of the Five Elements on Ox Sign
Each Ox year is governed by one of the five elements — adding deeper layers to their personality:
🌳 Wood Ox (1925, 1985): More compassionate and flexible, open to collaboration.
🔥 Fire Ox (1937, 1997): Strong-willed, enthusiastic, and brave — may be more temperamental.
🗿 Earth Ox (1949, 2009): Highly responsible, traditional, and reliable. Excellent planners.
🛠️ Metal Ox (1961, 2021): Determined, honest, and conservative. May struggle with emotional expression.
💧 Water Ox (1973): More adaptable, creative, and diplomatic than other Ox types.
Love Compatibility for the Ox
Ox individuals are deeply loyal, but often slow to express emotions. Once they commit to a relationship, they are devoted and protective partners.
Best Matches for the Ox
Rat – They complement each other with loyalty and mutual respect.
Snake – A balanced partnership with emotional and intellectual harmony.
Rooster – A stable and goal-oriented duo that values tradition and trust.
Least Compatible with the Ox
Goat – Clashing values and communication styles lead to frustration.
Horse – The free-spirited Horse may feel restricted by the Ox’s caution.
Dog – While both are loyal, their emotional rhythms often differ too much.
Ideal Careers for Ox Zodiac
Thanks to their reliability and methodical mindset, Ox-born people shine in professions that require planning, structure, and long-term commitment.
Suitable professions include:
Accounting or finance
Engineering and architecture
Education and research
Agriculture or environmental sciences
Law enforcement or military
Government and public service
They are often found in leadership roles over time — not because they demand power, but because people naturally trust their judgment and discipline.
Quick Facts About the Ox Zodiac
Chinese Name
牛 (Niú)
Elemental Cycle
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water
Polarity
Yin
Lucky Numbers
1, 4
Lucky Colors
Blue, Yellow, Green
Compatible Signs
Rat, Rooster, Snake
Opposing Sign
Summary
The Ox zodiac sign represents strength through endurance, wisdom through patience, and success through unwavering determination. People born in the Year of the Ox embody a calm but powerful presence. They work hard behind the scenes, rarely seeking praise, but always delivering dependable results.
While they may seem reserved or overly serious, Ox individuals possess deep loyalty, quiet confidence, and a clear sense of purpose. Their ability to commit long-term, navigate challenges with a level head, and lead with integrity makes them highly respected — both in relationships and in professional life.
By embracing their stable and grounded nature, those born under the Ox sign can build a fulfilling life defined by inner strength, responsibility, and meaningful achievement.
The 12-Year Cycle of Chinese Zodiac Signs
Explore the animals of the Chinese zodiac and their symbolic meanings by selecting a sign below.
