1985 Chinese zodiac: year of the Wood Ox
1985 was the year of the Wood Ox in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 20 February 1985 and ended on 8 February 1986.
1985 is the year of the Wood Ox (Yin). The Chinese year of the Ox ran from 20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986, so anyone born between those dates is a Wood Ox. Babies born in 1985 before 20 February 1985 belong to the Wood Rat of 1984.
1985 Wood Ox personality
People born in the year of the Ox are diligent, dependable and strong. Their strengths are patience, honesty and staying power; their watch-outs are stubbornness and resistance to change.
The Wood element adds growth, creativity and generosity, so the Wood Ox of 1985 combines the Ox's nature with wood qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.
Careers that suit the Ox: engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, law, medicine.
Born in January or February 1985?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1985, Chinese New Year fell on 20 February 1985.
- Born 20 February 1985 or later in 1985: Wood Ox.
- Born 1 January – 19 February 1985: Wood Rat (1984 sign).
Ox compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Snake, Rooster |
| Secret friend | Rat |
| Traditional clash | Goat |
Other Ox years
1949, 1961, 1973, 1997, 2009, 2021. The Wood Ox itself returns in 2045.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1985?
The Wood Ox, for births from 20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986.
What if I was born in January or early February 1985?
If you were born before 20 February 1985, your sign is the Wood Rat of 1984, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1985 in the Chinese zodiac?
Wood (Yin). Wood is linked with growth, creativity and generosity; its colour is green.
Which signs are compatible with the Ox?
Best matches are the Snake and Rooster, plus the Rat as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Goat.
When is the next Wood Ox year?
2045. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1985 in 2026?
They turn 41 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.