Metal Tiger (庚寅): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Metal Tiger, 庚寅, gives the Tiger focus and drive. The tradition reads it as determined, competitive and outspoken, with a sharper edge to manage.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 庚寅
Years: 1950, 2010
Character
庚寅 sets 庚, yang metal, the axe, over the Tiger's wood. Metal cuts wood, so the tradition reads this as a pair in which the stem restrains its branch: a strong will shaping a strong nature, sometimes forcefully.
People born in a Metal Tiger year are read as ambitious, self-assured and direct, with tremendous drive once they have chosen a goal. They speak frankly and stand up for what they believe. The tradition's shadow for the Metal Tiger is aggression under pressure — a competitive edge that can cut people it did not mean to — and a pride that finds compromise hard.
In love and at work
In love the Metal Tiger is read as intense, loyal and protective, needing a partner strong enough to stand beside it rather than behind it. At work it excels where determination wins — business, sport, law, leadership. The tradition suggests the Metal Tiger choose its battles.
A question to take with you
Which fight is truly yours this year — and which ones could you leave to others?
Updated October 28, 2026