Water Dragon Chinese Zodiac
水龙 shuǐ lóng
A Water Dragon was born in a Dragon year ending in 2 or 3: 1952, 2012 and 2072. Water cools the Dragon. The Water Dragon is described as wise and diplomatic, a Dragon that listens, adapts and leads through persuasion more than command.
- Water
- Dragon
- Yang
Water Dragon at a Glance
- Years
- 1952, 2012 and 2072
- Year element
- Water 水 (years ending in 2 or 3)
- Dragon's own element
- Earth
- Yin or Yang
- Yang
- Year names
- 壬辰
- Next Water Dragon year
- 2072
The Water Dragon Leads by Persuasion
Dragons tend to command. Tradition gives the Water Dragon a different style: it listens, adapts and wins people over rather than giving orders.
The 1952 Water Dragons are Boomers turning 74 in 2026. The 2012 Water Dragons, the last Gen Z year, turn 14.
Which Years Are Water Dragon Years?
The most recent Water Dragon year began on Jan 23, 2012 and ended on Feb 9, 2013; the next comes in 2072. Born in January or February? Compare your birthday with the Begins column.
| Year | Begins | Ends | Year name | Sound element | Age in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 Chinese zodiac | Jan 27, 1952 | Feb 13, 1953 | 壬辰 | 长流水 | 73 or 74 |
| 2012 Chinese zodiac | Jan 23, 2012 | Feb 9, 2013 | 壬辰 | 长流水 | 13 or 14 |
| 2072 | The next cycle, beyond the dates on this site | ||||
The sound element (Na Yin) is a second element that the sexagenary year name carries, and it is shown in Chinese. Find any other year on the Chinese zodiac years chart.
Water Dragon Strengths and Challenges
Strengths of the Water Dragon
- Diplomatic
- Visionary
- Adaptable
Challenges of the Water Dragon
- Unfocused
- Moody
- Overextends
Water Dragon in Love and at Work
In Love
Passionate yet considerate, and more patient than other Dragons.
At Work
Excels in diplomacy, consulting, media and leadership by consensus.
The Five Kinds of Dragon
The Dragon's own element is always Earth; the birth year adds the second. For the Water Dragon, Earth restrains Water, so the Dragon holds the year's element in check.
| Type | Years | With the Dragon's Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Dragon Chinese zodiac | 1904, 1964, 2024, 2084 | Wood restrains Earth |
| Fire Dragon Chinese zodiac | 1916, 1976, 2036, 2096 | Fire feeds Earth |
| Earth Dragon Chinese zodiac | 1928, 1988, 2048 | Doubled |
| Metal Dragon Chinese zodiac | 1940, 2000, 2060 | Earth feeds Metal |
| Water Dragon | 1952, 2012, 2072 | Earth restrains Water |
Water Dragon Compatibility
Compatibility follows the animal, not the element. Tradition favors the Rat, Monkey and Rooster for the Dragon, and the Dog is its enemy sign.
2026, the Fire Horse Year: Steady
No formal link to the Horse in the traditional rules.
2027, the Fire Goat Year: Steady
No formal link to the Goat in the traditional rules.
Other Water Signs
All twelve animals have a Water year. Each is a different mix.
- Water Rat Chinese zodiac1972, 2032
- Water Ox Chinese zodiac1973, 2033
- Water Tiger Chinese zodiac1962, 2022
- Water Rabbit Chinese zodiac1963, 2023
- Water Snake Chinese zodiac1953, 2013
- Water Horse Chinese zodiac1942, 2002
- Water Goat Chinese zodiac1943, 2003
- Water Monkey Chinese zodiac1932, 1992
- Water Rooster Chinese zodiac1933, 1993
- Water Dog Chinese zodiac1922, 1982
- Water Pig Chinese zodiac1923, 1983
Water Dragon Chinese Zodiac FAQ
What is a Water Dragon?
A Water Dragon is someone born in a Dragon year that ends in 2 or 3. Water Dragon years include 1952, 2012 and 2072. Tradition describes the Water Dragon as diplomatic, visionary and adaptable.
What years are Water Dragon years?
1952, 2012 and 2072. The 2012 year ran from Jan 23, 2012 to Feb 9, 2013.
Is the Dragon a Water sign?
The Dragon's own element is Earth, which never changes. Water is the element of the birth year, so a Water Dragon carries both. The two are different things.
How old is a Water Dragon?
The most recent Water Dragon years are 1952 and 2012. In 2026 someone born in 2012 turns 14.
When is the next Water Dragon year?
2072. Dragon years return every 12 years and each element every 60.