水Chinese zodiac · Water element
Water Rat 1912 · 1972 · 2032 · 2092 · 壬子 (rén zǐ)
Water Rats are quick-witted and resourceful like every Rat, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. This combination comes round only once every 60 years.
- Yang Water
- Animal: Rat
- Element: Water 水
- Every 60 years
Year of the Water Rat dates
| Year | Dates | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1912 | 18 Feb 1912 – 5 Feb 1913 | 壬子 (rén zǐ) |
| 1972 | 15 Feb 1972 – 2 Feb 1973 | 壬子 (rén zǐ) |
| 2032 | 11 Feb 2032 – 30 Jan 2033 | 壬子 (rén zǐ) |
| 2092 | 7 Feb 2092 – 26 Jan 2093 | 壬子 (rén zǐ) |
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 Rat different
At heart this is still a Rat: quick-witted, resourceful and charming. 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.
Double Water
The Rat’s own fixed element is Water, so a Water year doubles it. Everything typical of the Rat is turned up: the strengths are stronger, and so are the excesses.
Water Rat strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Intuitive and perceptive
- Flexible and diplomatic
- Sharp, strategic thinking
- Thrifty and good with money
Watch out for
- Indecisive under pressure
- Can be overly sensitive
- Prone to penny-pinching
- Critical when stressed
Water Rat in love
Water deepens the sign’s emotional side, bringing empathy and a need for real connection. In love the Rat is devoted but slow to trust.
Water Rat career and money
Water favors communication, persuasion and roles that need a feel for people. Rats do well wherever quick thinking and attention to detail pay off.
- Finance and accounting
- Research and analysis
- Writing and editing
- Business and entrepreneurship
The other types of Rat
The same animal behaves differently under each element. Compare the Water Rat with the other four types, or read the full Year of the Rat guide.
The Water years
Each element rules two years in a row, one Yang and one Yin. The Water Rat year is followed by the Water Ox. Water is linked with winter, the color black and blue and the north. Read more about the five elements.
Water Rat questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Water Rat?
The Year of the Water Rat falls in 1912, 1972, 2032 and 2092. It comes round once every 60 years. The exact dates are 18 Feb 1912 – 5 Feb 1913; 15 Feb 1972 – 2 Feb 1973; 11 Feb 2032 – 30 Jan 2033; 7 Feb 2092 – 26 Jan 2093.
What is the Water Rat personality?
Water Rats are quick-witted and resourceful like every Rat, 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 Rat compatible with?
Like all Rats, the Water Rat is most compatible with the Dragon, Monkey and Ox, and finds the Horse and Goat more challenging.
How is the Water Rat different from other Rats?
The Rat’s own fixed element is Water, so a Water year doubles it. Everything typical of the Rat is turned up: the strengths are stronger, and so are the excesses.
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.
