1973 Chinese zodiac: year of the Water Ox
1973 was the year of the Water Ox in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 3 February 1973 and ended on 22 January 1974.
1973 is the year of the Water Ox (Yin). The Chinese year of the Ox ran from 3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974, so anyone born between those dates is a Water Ox. Babies born in 1973 before 3 February 1973 belong to the Water Rat of 1972.
1973 Water Ox personality
People born in the year of the Ox are diligent, dependable and strong. Their strengths are patience, honesty and staying power; their watch-outs are stubbornness and resistance to change.
The Water element adds wisdom, flexibility and good communication, so the Water Ox of 1973 combines the Ox's nature with water qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.
Careers that suit the Ox: engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, law, medicine.
Born in January or February 1973?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1973, Chinese New Year fell on 3 February 1973.
- Born 3 February 1973 or later in 1973: Water Ox.
- Born 1 January – 2 February 1973: Water Rat (1972 sign).
Ox compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Snake, Rooster |
| Secret friend | Rat |
| Traditional clash | Goat |
Other Ox years
1937, 1949, 1961, 1985, 1997, 2009. The Water Ox itself returns in 2033.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 1973?
The Water Ox, for births from 3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974.
What if I was born in January or early February 1973?
If you were born before 3 February 1973, your sign is the Water Rat of 1972, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 1973 in the Chinese zodiac?
Water (Yin). Water is linked with wisdom, flexibility and good communication; its colour is black and blue.
Which signs are compatible with the Ox?
Best matches are the Snake and Rooster, plus the Rat as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Goat.
When is the next Water Ox year?
2033. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 1973 in 2026?
They turn 53 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.