Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Explained
In Chinese tradition, every sign pair has a relationship type, and five of them matter most. Six-harmony (六合) is the deepest attraction; trine (三合) is aligned teamwork; clash (冲), harm (害) and punishment (刑) bring friction that — managed wisely — can also mean powerful chemistry. Our compatibility tool computes all five and turns them into a bond score.
Six-harmony: the golden pairs
Six pairs are said to be made for each other: Rat–Ox, Tiger–Pig, Rabbit–Dog, Dragon–Rooster, Snake–Monkey, Horse–Goat. These unions run on natural mutual understanding and are traditionally the most favored for marriage.
Trine: aligned ambition
Signs four years apart form trine groups — for example Tiger, Horse and Dog. Trine partners share values and goals, making them excellent teammates and long-term companions who build each other up.
Clash, harm and punishment: friction with spark
Clash pairs are six years apart (e.g. Rat–Horse) — opposites that attract loudly but argue easily. Harm pairs (e.g. Rat–Goat) misunderstand often. Punishment pairs carry intensity. None of these are doomed — tradition says they need clearer communication and firmer boundaries, not less love.
Reading your bond score
Our score starts at 70 and adjusts for each relation: six-harmony +25, trine +18, clash −28, harm −22, punishment −18. A score above 80 is a strong bond; below 50 deserves patience and honest communication — and remember, any pairing can thrive with effort.
FAQ
Should I base marriage on zodiac compatibility?
No — treat it as one cultural reference among many. Full marriage analysis traditionally uses BaZi chart comparison, and real relationships always matter more than any score.
Which pairs are the best match?
The six-harmony pairs are traditionally the most favored, followed by trine pairs. But a wise relationship reads the whole picture, not one label.