Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Chart: Triads & Clashes

The Chinese Zodiac chart compares two animals through three lenses: three-harmony triads (long-term affinity), six harmony pairs (everyday rhythm), and six clash pairs (contrasting pace).

In Yuan Hai Zi Ping and San Ming Tong Hui, these are Earthly Branch relationship patterns. They describe interaction conditions inside a larger chart, not fixed relationship outcomes.

Use this as a lookup table: the triad column shows the other two signs in the same three-harmony group, the harmony column shows the six-combination partner, and the clash column shows the branch directly opposite in the 12-sign cycle.

A harmony or triad does not guarantee compatibility, and a clash does not predict failure. The table describes branch geometry; communication, shared values, and the two complete Bazi charts provide the human context.

Chinese zodiac triads (three-harmony groups, or 三合 sān hé) are the four groups of three animal signs that share long-term affinity. The four triads are:

• Rat — Dragon — Monkey (Water frame)
• Ox — Snake — Rooster (Metal frame)
• Tiger — Horse — Dog (Fire frame)
• Rabbit — Goat — Pig (Wood frame)

Signs inside the same Chinese zodiac triad tend to share a long-term sense of values and direction. These groups are read from the Earthly Branch relationships: when three branches from the same trine appear in a chart, they create a strong elemental frame.

Triads are most useful for friendships, family dynamics, and long-running collaborations where stability matters more than instant chemistry. For quick relationship checks, our zodiac compatibility tool can compare any two signs.

The six harmony (Liu He) pairs are Rat-Ox, Tiger-Pig, Rabbit-Dog, Dragon-Rooster, Snake-Monkey, and Horse-Goat. These pairs often find an easier daily rhythm and complementary energy.

Harmony pairs tend to feel cooperative, but they still need shared values to thrive long term.

The six clash pairs are Rat-Horse, Ox-Goat, Tiger-Monkey, Rabbit-Rooster, Dragon-Dog, and Snake-Pig. Each is exactly six positions apart in the 12-branch cycle.

A clash signals differences in pace and priority. It often produces growth when both sides communicate openly, and friction when they do not.

A “best match” label usually points to a harmony pair or a shared triad. It does not compare communication, values, life stage, or the month, day, and hour branches in either person's chart. Two people with a year-sign harmony can still have demanding branch interactions elsewhere, while a year-sign clash can be balanced by compatible Day Masters and shared real-world priorities.

Use the chart to identify the type of conversation a pair may need. Harmony pairs benefit from making implicit cooperation explicit. Triad partners can test whether their shared direction also works in daily life. Clash pairs should discuss pace, independence, decision authority, and how conflict is repaired. Those questions are more useful than a percentage score with no calculation behind it.

For a deeper comparison, record both complete birth dates and use Bazi to compare Day Masters, spouse palaces, branch combinations, current Luck Pillars, and the seasonal strength of each chart. The year animals remain a quick cultural reference; they should not be promoted into a complete relationship diagnosis.

Use the compatibility tool to compare any two signs, then read the compatibility guide for context. For deeper readings, compare full Bazi charts.