1988 Chinese zodiac: year of the Earth Dragon
1988 was the year of the Earth Dragon in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 17 February 1988 and ended on 5 February 1989.
1988 is the year of the Earth Dragon (Yang). The Chinese year of the Dragon ran from 17 February 1988 to 5 February 1989, so anyone born between those dates is a Earth Dragon. Babies born in 1988 before 17 February 1988 belong to the Fire Rabbit of 1987.
1988 Earth Dragon personality
People born in the year of the Dragon are confident, ambitious and charismatic. Their strengths are vision, energy and natural authority; their watch-outs are pride and a dislike of being told what to do.
The Earth element adds stability, practicality and patience, so the Earth Dragon of 1988 combines the Dragon's nature with earth qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Dragon: management, politics, entertainment, start-ups.
Born in January or February 1988?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1988, Chinese New Year fell on 17 February 1988.
- Born 17 February 1988 or later in 1988: Earth Dragon.
- Born 1 January – 16 February 1988: Fire Rabbit (1987 sign).
Dragon compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Rat, Monkey |
| Secret friend | Rooster |
| Traditional clash | Dog |
Other Dragon years
1952, 1964, 1976, 2000, 2012, 2024. The Earth Dragon itself returns in 2048.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1988?
The Earth Dragon, for births from 17 February 1988 to 5 February 1989.
What if I was born in January or early February 1988?
If you were born before 17 February 1988, your sign is the Fire Rabbit of 1987, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1988 in the Chinese zodiac?
Earth (Yang). Earth is linked with stability, practicality and patience; its colour is yellow and brown.
Which signs are compatible with the Dragon?
Best matches are the Rat and Monkey, plus the Rooster as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Dog.
When is the next Earth Dragon year?
2048. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1988 in 2026?
They turn 38 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.