水Chinese zodiac · Water element
Water Dragon 1952 · 2012 · 2072 · 壬辰 (rén chén)
Water Dragons are ambitious and charismatic like every Dragon, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. This combination comes round only once every 60 years.
- Yang Water
- Animal: Dragon
- Element: Water 水
- Every 60 years
Year of the Water Dragon dates
| Year | Dates | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | 27 Jan 1952 – 13 Feb 1953 | 壬辰 (rén chén) |
| 2012 | 23 Jan 2012 – 9 Feb 2013 | 壬辰 (rén chén) |
| 2072 | 19 Feb 2072 – 6 Feb 2073 | 壬辰 (rén chén) |
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year’s sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
What makes the Water Dragon different
At heart this is still a Dragon: ambitious, charismatic and energetic. Water is the element of wisdom. It brings intuition, flexibility and a gift for communication, and Water types read people well and go around obstacles rather than through them.
Earth masters Water
The Dragon’s native Earth controls Water. These Dragons like to be in charge of their circumstances and usually are, though getting there takes effort.
Water Dragon strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Intuitive and perceptive
- Flexible and diplomatic
- Confident and visionary
- Energetic and driven
Watch out for
- Indecisive under pressure
- Can be overly sensitive
- Impatient with slower people
- Perfectionist
Water Dragon in love
Water deepens the sign’s emotional side, bringing empathy and a need for real connection. Dragons are passionate and proud.
Water Dragon career and money
Water favors communication, persuasion and roles that need a feel for people. Dragons are suited to roles with scope and visibility.
- Entrepreneurship
- Architecture and engineering
- Law and politics
- Media and entertainment
The other types of Dragon
The same animal behaves differently under each element. Compare the Water Dragon with the other four types, or read the full Year of the Dragon guide.
The Water years
Each element rules two years in a row, one Yang and one Yin. The Water Dragon year is followed by the Water Snake. Water is linked with winter, the color black and blue and the north. Read more about the five elements.
Water Dragon questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Water Dragon?
The Year of the Water Dragon falls in 1952, 2012 and 2072. It comes round once every 60 years. The exact dates are 27 Jan 1952 – 13 Feb 1953; 23 Jan 2012 – 9 Feb 2013; 19 Feb 2072 – 6 Feb 2073.
What is the Water Dragon personality?
Water Dragons are ambitious and charismatic like every Dragon, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. It brings intuition, flexibility and a gift for communication, and Water types read people well and go around obstacles rather than through them.
Who is the Water Dragon compatible with?
Like all Dragons, the Water Dragon is most compatible with the Rat, Monkey and Rooster, and finds the Dog and Rabbit more challenging.
How is the Water Dragon different from other Dragons?
The Dragon’s native Earth controls Water. These Dragons like to be in charge of their circumstances and usually are, though getting there takes effort.
Check your exact sign
Enter your date of birth to confirm your Chinese zodiac animal and element, plus your star sign and life path number.
