Chinese zodiac by birth year
1998 is the year of the Earth Tiger
Earth adds steadiness and practicality to the Tiger's bold, exploratory symbolism.
See your personalized resultThe date boundary matters
The Lunar New Year in 1998 began on January 28, 1998. If your birthday was earlier, use the previous zodiac year instead of the Gregorian year alone.
This page uses the Lunar New Year boundary for a clear, consistent cultural experience. Some schools use the Start of Spring, which can produce a different answer near the boundary.
Animal + element, not animal alone
The twelve zodiac animals are paired with five elements in a repeating sixty-year cycle. That is why two people with the same animal but different birth years can receive different element themes.
These descriptions are cultural and artistic interpretations for reflection and entertainment—not scientific personality tests or predictions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chinese zodiac animal for 1998?
For births on or after January 28, 1998, the year animal is the Tiger. Earlier January or February births may belong to the previous zodiac year.
What is the element for 1998?
1998 is paired with Earth in the traditional sixty-year animal-and-element cycle.
Why can two zodiac websites disagree?
Chinese zodiac years do not begin on January 1. Some traditions also use the Start of Spring, so boundary dates and the stated method matter.
Method and sources
Calendar boundary: Hong Kong Observatory Gregorian–Lunar conversion tables. Cultural cycle context: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Smithsonian Lunar New Year resources.