2008 Chinese zodiac: year of the Earth Rat
2008 was the year of the Earth Rat in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 7 February 2008 and ended on 25 January 2009.
2008 is the year of the Earth Rat (Yang). The Chinese year of the Rat ran from 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009, so anyone born between those dates is a Earth Rat. Babies born in 2008 before 7 February 2008 belong to the Fire Pig of 2007.
2008 Earth Rat personality
People born in the year of the Rat are quick-witted, resourceful and adaptable. Their strengths are sharp instincts, charm and a talent for spotting opportunities; their watch-outs are restlessness and a tendency to worry about money.
The Earth element adds stability, practicality and patience, so the Earth Rat of 2008 combines the Rat's nature with earth qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Rat: business, finance, writing, research.
Born in January or February 2008?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 2008, Chinese New Year fell on 7 February 2008.
- Born 7 February 2008 or later in 2008: Earth Rat.
- Born 1 January – 6 February 2008: Fire Pig (2007 sign).
Rat compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Dragon, Monkey |
| Secret friend | Ox |
| Traditional clash | Horse |
Other Rat years
1972, 1984, 1996, 2020, 2032, 2044. The Earth Rat itself returns in 2068.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 2008?
The Earth Rat, for births from 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009.
What if I was born in January or early February 2008?
If you were born before 7 February 2008, your sign is the Fire Pig of 2007, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 2008 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 Rat?
Best matches are the Dragon and Monkey, plus the Ox as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Horse.
When is the next Earth Rat year?
2068. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 2008 in 2026?
They turn 18 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.