Water Ox Chinese Zodiac
水牛 shuǐ niú
A Water Ox (also called the Cow) was born in a Ox year ending in 2 or 3: 1913, 1973, 2033 and 2093. Water softens the steady Ox. The Water Ox is described as patient and thoughtful, an Ox that listens and bends a little, and so gets along better than the others.
- Water
- Ox
- Yin
Water Ox at a Glance
- Years
- 1913, 1973, 2033 and 2093
- Year element
- Water 水 (years ending in 2 or 3)
- Ox's own element
- Earth
- Yin or Yang
- Yin
- Year names
- 癸丑
- Next Water Ox year
- 2033
The Water Ox Bends a Little
Oxen are known for stubbornness. The Water Ox, in tradition, is the flexible one, a patient listener that gets along better than its harder-headed cousins.
The 1973 Water Oxen are Gen X and turn 53 in 2026. The next Water Ox year begins in early 2033.
Which Years Are Water Ox Years?
The most recent Water Ox year began on Feb 3, 1973 and ended on Jan 22, 1974; the next comes in 2033. Born in January or February? Compare your birthday with the Begins column.
| Year | Begins | Ends | Year name | Sound element | Age in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Feb 6, 1913 | Jan 25, 1914 | 癸丑 | 桑柘木 | 112 or 113 |
| 1973 Chinese zodiac | Feb 3, 1973 | Jan 22, 1974 | 癸丑 | 桑柘木 | 52 or 53 |
| 2033 | Jan 31, 2033 | Feb 18, 2034 | 癸丑 | 桑柘木 | - |
| 2093 | 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 Ox Strengths and Challenges
Strengths of the Water Ox
- Thoughtful
- Patient
- Flexible
Challenges of the Water Ox
- Hesitant
- Over-cautious
- Withdrawn
Water Ox in Love and at Work
In Love
Gentle and loyal, and more expressive than most Oxen.
At Work
Strong in teaching, research, counseling and careful, long-term work.
The Five Kinds of Ox
The Ox's own element is always Earth; the birth year adds the second. For the Water Ox, Earth restrains Water, so the Ox holds the year's element in check.
| Type | Years | With the Ox's Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Ox Chinese zodiac | 1925, 1985, 2045 | Wood restrains Earth |
| Fire Ox Chinese zodiac | 1937, 1997, 2057 | Fire feeds Earth |
| Earth Ox Chinese zodiac | 1949, 2009, 2069 | Doubled |
| Metal Ox Chinese zodiac | 1901, 1961, 2021, 2081 | Earth feeds Metal |
| Water Ox | 1913, 1973, 2033, 2093 | Earth restrains Water |
Water Ox Compatibility
Compatibility follows the animal, not the element. Tradition favors the Snake, Rooster and Rat for the Ox, and the Goat is its enemy sign.
2026, the Fire Horse Year: Needs Care
Link to the Horse: Harm (害太岁).
2027, the Fire Goat Year: Needs Care
Link to the Goat: Clash (冲太岁), Punishment (刑太岁).
Other Water Signs
All twelve animals have a Water year. Each is a different mix.
- Water Rat Chinese zodiac1972, 2032
- Water Tiger Chinese zodiac1962, 2022
- Water Rabbit Chinese zodiac1963, 2023
- Water Dragon Chinese zodiac1952, 2012
- 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 Ox Chinese Zodiac FAQ
What is a Water Ox?
A Water Ox is someone born in a Ox year that ends in 2 or 3. Water Ox years include 1913, 1973, 2033 and 2093. Tradition describes the Water Ox as thoughtful, patient and flexible.
What years are Water Ox years?
1913, 1973, 2033 and 2093. The 1973 year ran from Feb 3, 1973 to Jan 22, 1974.
Is the Ox a Water sign?
The Ox's own element is Earth, which never changes. Water is the element of the birth year, so a Water Ox carries both. The two are different things.
How old is a Water Ox?
The most recent Water Ox years are 1973 and 2033. In 2026 someone born in 2033 turns -7.
When is the next Water Ox year?
2033. Ox years return every 12 years and each element every 60.