2012 Chinese zodiac: year of the Water Dragon
2012 was the year of the Water Dragon in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 23 January 2012 and ended on 9 February 2013.
2012 is the year of the Water Dragon (Yang). The Chinese year of the Dragon ran from 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013, so anyone born between those dates is a Water Dragon. Babies born in 2012 before 23 January 2012 belong to the Metal Rabbit of 2011.
2012 Water Dragon personality
People born in the year of the Dragon are confident, ambitious and charismatic. Their strengths are vision, energy and natural authority; their watch-outs are pride and a dislike of being told what to do.
The Water element adds wisdom, flexibility and good communication, so the Water Dragon of 2012 combines the Dragon's nature with water qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Dragon: management, politics, entertainment, start-ups.
Born in January or February 2012?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 2012, Chinese New Year fell on 23 January 2012.
- Born 23 January 2012 or later in 2012: Water Dragon.
- Born 1 January – 22 January 2012: Metal Rabbit (2011 sign).
Dragon compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Rat, Monkey |
| Secret friend | Rooster |
| Traditional clash | Dog |
Other Dragon years
1976, 1988, 2000, 2024, 2036. The Water Dragon itself returns in 2072.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 2012?
The Water Dragon, for births from 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013.
What if I was born in January or early February 2012?
If you were born before 23 January 2012, your sign is the Metal Rabbit of 2011, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 2012 in the Chinese zodiac?
Water (Yang). Water is linked with wisdom, flexibility and good communication; its colour is black and blue.
Which signs are compatible with the Dragon?
Best matches are the Rat and Monkey, plus the Rooster as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Dog.
When is the next Water Dragon year?
2072. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 2012 in 2026?
They turn 14 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.