2023 Chinese zodiac: year of the Water Rabbit
2023 was the year of the Water Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 22 January 2023 and ended on 9 February 2024.
2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit (Yin). The Chinese year of the Rabbit ran from 22 January 2023 to 9 February 2024, so anyone born between those dates is a Water Rabbit. Babies born in 2023 before 22 January 2023 belong to the Water Tiger of 2022.
2023 Water Rabbit personality
People born in the year of the Rabbit are gentle, elegant and kind. Their strengths are diplomacy, taste and a calming presence; their watch-outs are avoiding conflict and over-caution.
The Water element adds wisdom, flexibility and good communication, so the Water Rabbit of 2023 combines the Rabbit's nature with water qualities. Yin years are traditionally seen as receptive and reflective.
Careers that suit the Rabbit: design, diplomacy, the arts, counselling, hospitality.
Born in January or February 2023?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 2023, Chinese New Year fell on 22 January 2023.
- Born 22 January 2023 or later in 2023: Water Rabbit.
- Born 1 January – 21 January 2023: Water Tiger (2022 sign).
Rabbit compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Goat, Pig |
| Secret friend | Dog |
| Traditional clash | Rooster |
Other Rabbit years
1987, 1999, 2011, 2035. The Water Rabbit itself returns in 2083.
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Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 2023?
The Water Rabbit, for births from 22 January 2023 to 9 February 2024.
What if I was born in January or early February 2023?
If you were born before 22 January 2023, your sign is the Water Tiger of 2022, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 2023 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 Rabbit?
Best matches are the Goat and Pig, plus the Dog as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Rooster.
When is the next Water Rabbit year?
2083. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 2023 in 2026?
They turn 3 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.