The Water Element in the Chinese Zodiac
Like a river: flexible, deep and always finding a way.
Water is the element of wisdom and flow. In Chinese tradition it belongs to winter, a quiet time for rest and deep thinking.
Find my element — freeWater element personality
Water people are smart, adaptable and good at reading others. They go around problems instead of crashing into them. They think deeply and feel a lot, even when they look calm.
Strengths
- Smart and quick to learn
- Easygoing and flexible
- Understand people's feelings
- Good at finding another way
Watch-outs
- Overthink small things
- Change direction too often
- Hide how they really feel
Water in love
Water people love with empathy. They need a partner they can really talk to — and one who gives them a steady place to come home to.
Water at work
They shine where thinking and people meet: research, writing, consulting, counseling, trade and travel.
Water lucky colors, numbers & direction
| Lucky colors | blue and black |
|---|---|
| Lucky numbers | 1, 6 |
| Direction | north |
| Season | winter |
| Fed by | Metal |
| Feeds | Wood |
Water years in the Chinese zodiac
Any year ending in 2 or 3 is a Water year. Here are all Water years from 1924 to 2043 (each one starts at Lunar New Year, not January 1).
Your year element vs. your personal element
Your year element is shared by everyone born that year — think of it as your generation’s color. In the Chinese tradition, the element that describes you personally comes from the day you were born. Two people born in the same year can have totally different personal elements. Want yours? Enter your birthday below.
Discover your personal element
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Water element FAQ
How do I know if I am a Water element?
The quick way is the last digit of your birth year: years ending in 2 or 3 are Water years (if you were born in January or early February, check Lunar New Year). Your more personal element comes from your birth day — you can find it free at the bottom of this page.
What are the lucky colors and numbers for Water?
Traditionally Water goes with blue and black, the numbers 1, 6, the north and winter. These are cultural customs — enjoy them, don’t worry about them.
Which element is most compatible with Water?
In the five-element cycle, Metal feeds Water, and Water feeds Wood. So Metal people often feel supportive to Water people, while Wood is who Water naturally wants to look after.