1998 Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Chart: Find Your Best Match Fast

Introduction

Let’s be honest—“compatibility” can feel like a giant maze. One site says you’re a Tiger, another says you’re an Ox, and suddenly your love life looks like it’s being graded by three different teachers who never met each other.

If you were born in 1998, there’s a very real reason for that confusion: the Chinese zodiac year doesn’t start on January 1. It switches around Lunar New Year, which means people born in early 1998 might belong to a totally different zodiac sign than people born later in the same year.

So this article does two things (quickly and clearly):

1. Helps you identify your correct 1998 zodiac sign using the Lunar New Year cutoff (so you’re not reading the wrong chart).

2. Gives you a scan-friendly compatibility chart plus deeper explanations for love, dating, marriage, and long-term relationships.

And yep—we’ll keep it practical. Astrology is fun, but relationships are real life: communication, timing, values, emotional habits, and all that messy human stuff.

Note on dates: Lunar New Year dates are widely published and consistent across reputable calendars. 1998 Lunar New Year is commonly listed as January 28, 1998. If you want to double-check your exact zodiac boundary, you can confirm via a calendar source like timeanddate’s Lunar New Year pages or a Chinese zodiac calculator (links included later).

Why Lunar New Year Matters for 1998 Birthdays

In Western calendars, the year flips on January 1. In Chinese astrology, the zodiac year changes at Lunar New Year (also called Spring Festival). That’s the dividing line that decides whether you’re reading Ox compatibility or Tiger compatibility.

The key cutoff for 1998

• Born before Lunar New Year 1998 (commonly January 1–January 27, 1998) → Ox

• Born on/after Lunar New Year 1998 (commonly January 28–December 31, 1998) → Tiger

That’s why “1998 zodiac sign” answers can conflict. They’re only correct if they also consider the Lunar New Year boundary.

Why this matters for compatibility

Because Ox and Tiger relationship styles are wildly different:

• Ox tends to love steadily, quietly, and long-term.

• Tiger tends to love boldly, intensely, and with a need for freedom.

So if you’re using a 1998 chinese zodiac compatibility chart and you’re on the wrong animal sign, the advice may feel… off. Like trying to use someone else’s map.

Identify Your True 1998 Zodiac Sign (Two Types)

Type 1: Born Before Lunar New Year 1998 — Ox

If you were born in early January 1998 (before the Lunar New Year cutoff), your Chinese zodiac sign is typically Ox.

Ox relationship vibe in one line: steady builder, loyal partner, slow burn love.

Ox traits that show up in dating and marriage:

• reliable, consistent, and patient

• values commitment and long-term plans

• prefers calm over chaos

• can be stubborn (yep, the reputation is earned)

• shows love through actions more than words

Ox love style:
Ox doesn’t usually fall in love overnight. But once they commit, they’re often “ride-or-die” loyal. They’re attracted to stability and respect, and they tend to take relationships seriously.

Type 2: Born On/After Lunar New Year 1998 — Tiger

If you were born from late January 1998 onward (after Lunar New Year), your Chinese zodiac sign is typically Tiger. Many references also label 1998 as an Earth Tiger year (element influences temperament).

Tiger relationship vibe in one line: bold heart, big feelings, needs freedom and respect.

Tiger traits that show up in dating and marriage:

• confident, charismatic, exciting

• passionate and emotionally direct

• protective of loved ones

• dislikes being controlled

• can be impulsive or impatient when bored

Tiger love style:
Tigers love intensity—chemistry, attraction, shared adventures, and honest emotion. They can be incredibly loyal when they feel respected, but they’ll resist anything that feels like a cage.

1998 Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Chart (Quick Match Finder)

Alright, here’s the “find your best match fast” part. Use the chart that matches your zodiac type:

• If you’re a 1998 Ox (born before Lunar New Year) → use the Ox chart

• If you’re a 1998 Tiger (born on/after Lunar New Year) → use the Tiger chart

Quick legend (so you can scan like a pro)

• Best Match: naturally compatible, smoother long-term

• Good Match: strong potential with small adjustments

• Neutral: workable, depends on maturity/values

• Challenging: higher friction; needs effort and communication

Chart A: 1998 Ox Compatibility (Born Before Lunar New Year)

Chart B: 1998 Tiger Compatibility (Born On/After Lunar New Year)

Best Matches for 1998 Ox (Love & Marriage)

If you’re the 1998 Ox type, your best matches usually share one thing: they respect your steady pace and your serious approach to commitment.

1) Ox + Rat (Best Match)

This pairing often works because the Rat is clever and flexible, while the Ox brings consistency and long-term planning.

Why it clicks:

• Rat handles strategy and quick thinking

• Ox handles stability and follow-through

• together they can build a solid life (money, home, future plans)

Watch out for:
Rat can be mentally restless; Ox can be stubborn. If Rat feels “restricted” or Ox feels “manipulated,” tension grows.

Make it last tip:
Set shared goals early: savings plans, travel plans, family plans. This match loves a mission.

2) Ox + Snake (Best Match)

This is a classic “quiet power couple” style match. Both signs value loyalty and depth.

Why it clicks:

• Snake is wise, intuitive, and calm

• Ox is protective, stable, and dependable

• both prefer fewer but deeper connections

Watch out for:
Snake can be private; Ox can be suspicious if communication is vague.

Make it last tip:
Practice “transparent reassurance.” Small honesty beats big mystery every time.

3) Ox + Rooster (Best Match)

If you like structure, responsibility, and a “let’s build something real” vibe, Rooster is often a strong match.

Why it clicks:

• both are hardworking and goal-oriented

• both value loyalty and integrity

• both tend to show love through effort

Watch out for:
Rooster can be critical; Ox can get defensive.

Make it last tip:
Agree on communication rules: criticize problems, not personalities.

4) Ox + Pig (Good Match that can feel like a Best Match)

Pig brings warmth, affection, and emotional generosity—something Ox quietly appreciates.

Why it clicks:

• Pig makes home feel cozy and safe

• Ox provides security and steadiness

• together they’re often good at long-term partnership

Watch out for:
Ox might be too serious; Pig might avoid conflict.

Make it last tip:
Add fun rituals: weekly date night, monthly mini-adventures. Ox needs reminders that joy is productive too.

Best Matches for 1998 Tiger (Love & Marriage)

If you’re the 1998 Tiger type, your best matches usually do two things:

1. They don’t try to control you.

2. They can handle your intensity without panicking.

1) Tiger + Horse (Best Match)

This is often one of the most naturally compatible pairings for Tiger—big energy, shared freedom, and a love of life.

Why it clicks:

• Horse understands independence

• Tiger understands passion

• both like movement: travel, goals, new experiences

Watch out for:
Too much “freedom” can drift into lack of structure.

Make it last tip:
Create shared commitment habits (like weekly planning) without making it feel like a prison.

2) Tiger + Dog (Best Match)

Dog is loyal, honest, and protective—an emotional anchor for Tiger.

Why it clicks:

• Dog steadies Tiger’s storms

• Tiger inspires Dog’s courage

• shared values around loyalty and fairness

Watch out for:
Tiger’s bluntness can hurt Dog’s feelings if it’s not softened.

Make it last tip:
Use honest words with warmth. Same truth, kinder delivery.

3) Tiger + Pig (Best Match)

Pig is affectionate and forgiving, which helps Tiger relax and feel loved.

Why it clicks:

• Pig provides emotional safety

• Tiger provides excitement and protection

• both can be generous when they feel appreciated

Watch out for:
Tiger may dominate decisions; Pig may go along silently, then feel resentful.

Make it last tip:
Practice shared decision-making. Tiger, ask. Pig, speak up.

4) Tiger + Dragon (Good Match that can be electric)

This pairing can feel like two leaders in one room—in a good way, if managed well.

Why it clicks:

• both are ambitious, confident, and driven

• strong mutual admiration is possible

• relationship can feel “epic” when aligned

Watch out for:
Power struggles. Ego. Competition.

Make it last tip:
Divide leadership: “You lead here, I lead there.” Let the relationship be a team, not a duel.

Challenging Matches (And How to Make Them Work Anyway)

Challenging doesn’t mean doomed. It just means the relationship needs more awareness—like driving in rain instead of sunshine. You can still get where you’re going; you just don’t speed.

For 1998 Ox: Common challenging pairings

Ox + Goat (Sheep)

This pairing is often labeled difficult because Ox is practical and structured, while Goat is emotional and sensitive.

Typical friction:

• Ox wants solutions

• Goat wants comfort and empathy first

• Ox may think Goat is “too emotional”

• Goat may think Ox is “too cold”

How to make it work:

• Ox: validate feelings before fixing

• Goat: express needs clearly (“I want comfort, not advice”)

• create a shared “conflict ritual”: pause, listen, then solve

Ox + Horse

Horse craves freedom; Ox craves stability.

Typical friction:

• Horse feels controlled

• Ox feels abandoned or insecure

• different ideas of what “commitment” looks like

How to make it work:

• agree on independence rules (friends, hobbies, solo time)

• set predictable “together time” so Ox feels safe

• Horse reassures; Ox loosens the grip

Ox + Tiger

Ox can see Tiger as impulsive; Tiger can see Ox as rigid.

How to make it work:

• treat pace differences as strengths

• Ox manages structure; Tiger manages momentum

• don’t argue about “who’s right,” argue about “what works”

For 1998 Tiger: Common challenging pairings

Tiger + Monkey

This is often marked challenging because both are clever, competitive, and strong-willed.

Typical friction:

• teasing becomes disrespect

• competition becomes power struggle

• both hate losing arguments

How to make it work:

• set rules: no sarcasm during serious talks

• practice “repair attempts” (humor after apology, not instead of apology)

• choose connection over winning

Tiger + Snake

This match can be magnetic but complicated.

Typical friction:

• Tiger is direct; Snake is strategic

• Tiger wants open honesty; Snake may be private

• trust issues can brew if communication is unclear

How to make it work:

• explicit agreements about transparency

• boundaries that feel safe, not secretive

• regular check-ins to prevent imagination spirals

Tiger + Ox

Different pace, different emotional language.

How to make it work:

• Tiger respects routine and reliability

• Ox respects passion and freedom

• create “structured spontaneity”: planned adventures

Love vs Marriage Compatibility: What’s Different?

Here’s a truth people don’t say enough: dating chemistry and marriage compatibility aren’t always the same thing.

• Love (dating) often rewards excitement, attraction, novelty

• Marriage (long-term) rewards stability, teamwork, emotional regulation

For Ox (born before LNY 1998)

• In dating: Ox may not look “flashy,” but they’re consistent.

• In marriage: Ox tends to shine—loyalty, responsibility, building a life.

Ox grows best with partners who:

• appreciate calm affection

• value long-term planning

• don’t force emotional performance

• respect routine without calling it “boring”

For Tiger (born on/after LNY 1998)

• In dating: Tiger is magnetic—boldness is attractive.

• In marriage: Tiger needs meaning and growth, not monotony.

Tiger grows best with partners who:

• respect independence

• communicate honestly

• can handle intensity without escalating

• keep life interesting (even in small ways)

If you’re choosing a partner, don’t just ask, “Do we have sparks?” Also ask, “Do we solve problems well?” That’s where long-term compatibility lives.

Practical Relationship Tips Based on Your 1998 Zodiac Type

If you’re a 1998 Ox

• Practice emotional language. You don’t need a TED Talk—just a few honest sentences.

• Don’t confuse routine with love. Routine is good, but affection needs expression too.

• Soften stubborn moments. Ask yourself: “Is this a value… or just a habit?”

• Let your partner feel chosen. Ox loves deeply, but partners need to feel it.

Mini habit that helps:
Once a week, say out loud one thing you appreciate about your partner. It sounds small. It’s huge.

If you’re a 1998 Tiger

• Learn your triggers. When do you feel controlled, ignored, or underestimated?

• Communicate needs early. Tigers wait until frustration explodes—then it’s fireworks.

• Build healthy freedom. Independence is good; emotional distance isn’t.

• Channel intensity into care. Passion + kindness is your superpower.

Mini habit that helps:
Before reacting, take a 10-second pause. If your message still feels true after 10 seconds, say it—just say it cleanly.

Sign-by-Sign Compatibility Snapshots (Ox and Tiger)

This section is written for quick scanning (and yes, it’s great for SEO because people search “Tiger and Dog compatibility,” “Ox and Rat compatibility,” etc.).

Rat

• Ox + Rat: Often excellent (strategy + stability)

• Tiger + Rat: Can work if Rat respects Tiger’s boldness

Ox

• Ox + Ox: Stable, loyal; avoid stubborn stand-offs

• Tiger + Ox: Challenging; must negotiate freedom vs routine

Tiger

• Ox + Tiger: Different pace; needs patience and flexibility

• Tiger + Tiger: High chemistry; avoid ego battles and impulsive fights

Rabbit

• Ox + Rabbit: Gentle and supportive if communication is warm

• Tiger + Rabbit: Tiger must be gentle; Rabbit needs safety

Dragon

• Ox + Dragon: Big goals + stability; manage leadership roles

• Tiger + Dragon: Exciting, powerful; watch competition

Snake

• Ox + Snake: Often strong (deep loyalty, trust, strategy)

• Tiger + Snake: Complex; transparency is everything

Horse

• Ox + Horse: Challenging; balance independence and security

• Tiger + Horse: Often best match; shared freedom and passion

Goat (Sheep)

• Ox + Goat: Commonly challenging; emotional language mismatch

• Tiger + Goat: Can work if Tiger protects and Goat feels seen

Monkey

• Ox + Monkey: Neutral; playful vs serious needs balance

• Tiger + Monkey: Challenging; avoid power struggles

Rooster

• Ox + Rooster: Often best match; shared discipline and loyalty

• Tiger + Rooster: Neutral; Rooster must soften criticism

Dog

• Ox + Dog: Good match; loyal and steady partnership

• Tiger + Dog: Often best match; supportive and brave dynamic

Pig

• Ox + Pig: Warm and supportive; comfortable long-term

• Tiger + Pig: Often best match; Pig soothes Tiger’s intensity

FAQs

Is everyone born in 1998 a Tiger?

No. Because Chinese zodiac years start at Lunar New Year, people born before Lunar New Year 1998 are typically Ox, while those born on/after Lunar New Year 1998 are typically Tiger.

What is the Lunar New Year cutoff date for 1998?

It’s commonly listed as January 28, 1998. If you want to confirm using a calendar source, check a reputable listing like timeanddate or a Chinese zodiac calculator.

Does “1998 chinese zodiac compatibility” guarantee relationship success?

No. Compatibility describes tendencies, not fate. Real success depends on communication, shared values, emotional maturity, and how you handle conflict.

Can “challenging” matches still work?

Absolutely. “Challenging” usually means you’ll need more intentional habits—clear boundaries, better communication, and mutual respect. Many couples thrive in “challenging” pairings because they grow.

What if I’m born on the cutoff day?

If your birthday is on Lunar New Year, you’re typically counted in the new zodiac year (Tiger for 1998). For precise astrology calculations (including time of birth), use a detailed BaZi calculator.

Helpful External Links (For Zodiac & Lunar New Year Verification)

If you’d like to verify the Lunar New Year cutoff date and your sign, these references are commonly used:

• Chinese zodiac overview (background): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac

• Lunar New Year date listings (calendar-style): https://www.timeanddate.com/

• Zodiac sign calculators (birthdate-based tools): https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/

(When using calculators, always enter your birthdate carefully—one day can change everything near the cutoff.)

Final Thoughts

If you came here for a fast answer, here it is: 1998 isn’t one compatibility story—it’s two. Your zodiac sign depends on whether you were born before or after Lunar New Year.

• Born before Lunar New Year 1998 (commonly Jan 1–Jan 27) → Ox: steady, loyal, long-term focused

• Born on/after Lunar New Year 1998 (commonly Jan 28–Dec 31) → Tiger: bold, passionate, freedom-loving

Once you’ve got the right sign, the rest becomes a whole lot clearer. Use the chart to narrow your best matches, then use the deeper tips to actually make the relationship work in real life—because chemistry is nice, but communication pays the rent.