2021 Chinese zodiac: year of the Metal Ox
2021 was the year of the Metal Ox in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 12 February 2021 and ended on 31 January 2022.
2021 is the year of the Metal Ox (Yin). The Chinese year of the Ox ran from 12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022, so anyone born between those dates is a Metal Ox. Babies born in 2021 before 12 February 2021 belong to the Metal Rat of 2020.
2021 Metal 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 Metal element adds determination, strength and self-discipline, so the Metal Ox of 2021 combines the Ox's nature with metal 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 2021?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 2021, Chinese New Year fell on 12 February 2021.
- Born 12 February 2021 or later in 2021: Metal Ox.
- Born 1 January – 11 February 2021: Metal Rat (2020 sign).
Ox compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Snake, Rooster |
| Secret friend | Rat |
| Traditional clash | Goat |
Other Ox years
1985, 1997, 2009, 2033. The Metal Ox itself returns in 2081.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 2021?
The Metal Ox, for births from 12 February 2021 to 31 January 2022.
What if I was born in January or early February 2021?
If you were born before 12 February 2021, your sign is the Metal Rat of 2020, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 2021 in the Chinese zodiac?
Metal (Yin). Metal is linked with determination, strength and self-discipline; its colour is white and gold.
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 Metal Ox year?
2081. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 2021 in 2026?
They turn 5 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.