The Wood Element in the Chinese Zodiac
Like a tree: always growing, always reaching up.
Wood is the element of growth and new beginnings. In Chinese tradition it belongs to spring, when everything starts to sprout.
Find my element — freeWood element personality
Wood people want to grow and help others grow. They are kind, curious and full of plans. Like a tree, they need room to spread out. When they feel boxed in, they get restless.
Strengths
- Kind and generous with others
- Full of new ideas and plans
- Keep going after setbacks
- Good at helping people grow
Watch-outs
- Start many things, finish few
- Can be stubborn about their way
- Get restless when held back
Wood in love
Wood people love in a caring, steady way. They want a partner who grows with them — and gives them a little space.
Wood at work
They shine where things grow: teaching, design, writing, planning, health and anything they can build from scratch.
Wood lucky colors, numbers & direction
| Lucky colors | green and teal |
|---|---|
| Lucky numbers | 3, 8 |
| Direction | east |
| Season | spring |
| Fed by | Water |
| Feeds | Fire |
Wood years in the Chinese zodiac
Any year ending in 4 or 5 is a Wood year. Here are all Wood 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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Wood element FAQ
How do I know if I am a Wood element?
The quick way is the last digit of your birth year: years ending in 4 or 5 are Wood 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 Wood?
Traditionally Wood goes with green and teal, the numbers 3, 8, the east and spring. These are cultural customs — enjoy them, don’t worry about them.
Which element is most compatible with Wood?
In the five-element cycle, Water feeds Wood, and Wood feeds Fire. So Water people often feel supportive to Wood people, while Fire is who Wood naturally wants to look after.