5 Chinese Zodiac Elements: How to Know Yours

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Many people know about Western astrology with its 12 zodiac signs. However, Chinese astrology is also very popular around the world. The Chinese zodiac element system offers a different way to understand personality and destiny. This ancient system has been used for thousands of years.

The Chinese zodiac is not just about 12 animal signs. Each year also has a special element connected to it. These elements add more meaning to your zodiac sign. They help explain why people born in the same animal year can have different personalities.

In this article, we will learn about the five Chinese zodiac elements in detail, from how to know your element, each element character to the interaction between elements. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (15/1/2026). Let's dive in.

The Chinese zodiac element system uses five natural elements. These elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Ancient Chinese people believed these five elements are the building blocks of everything in the universe.

Each year in the Chinese calendar is assigned one element. This creates a special cycle that lasts 60 years. The cycle combines 12 animal signs with 5 elements. For example, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, while 2000 was the Year of the Metal Dragon.

Your Chinese zodiac element comes from the year you were born. It influences your personality, behavior, and relationships. The element works together with your animal sign to create your complete zodiac profile. This combination makes each person unique, even if they share the same animal sign.

Finding your Chinese zodiac element is simple. You only need to look at the last number of your birth year. Each element is connected to two specific numbers. These numbers follow a pattern that repeats every ten years.

If your birth year ends in 4 or 5, your element is Wood. Years ending in 6 or 7 belong to Fire. Earth element comes with years ending in 8 or 9. Metal is for years ending in 0 or 1. Finally, Water is for years ending in 2 or 3.

For example, someone born in 1985 has Wood as their element. A person born in 1992 has Water. This simple method works for any year. Remember that the Chinese New Year usually starts in late January or early February, so people born in January might belong to the previous year's element.

Year: Years ending in 4 or 5

Color: Green (4), Blue (5)

Planet: Jupiter

Climate: Windy

People with the Wood element are creative and full of ideas. They have strong imagination and like to think about new possibilities. Wood types are natural leaders who can make good decisions. They enjoy growth and change in their lives.

Wood element people are kind and loyal to their family and friends. They care deeply about the people they love. In relationships, they show their feelings in creative and thoughtful ways. However, they can be stubborn and find it hard to change their mind once they decide something.

At work, Wood types are ambitious and competitive. They want to succeed and reach their goals. They can think clearly about complex problems and stay calm under pressure. However, they sometimes refuse to listen to other people's opinions. When they feel misunderstood, they can become very angry, though this does not happen often.

Year: Years ending in 6 or 7

Color: Red (6), Purple (7)

Planet: Mars

Climate: Hot

Fire element people are energetic and passionate about life. They have strong personalities and like to be in control. Fire types are natural speakers and can influence others easily. They move fast and do not like to sit still for a long time.

These people are enthusiastic and assertive in everything they do. They set clear goals and work hard to achieve them. Fire types make valuable team members because of their energy and determination. When they want something, they will not give up until they get it, no matter how difficult the challenge.

In love, Fire element people are passionate and direct. They actively pursue the person they like. Their relationships are full of excitement and energy. They keep this passionate energy even after many years of marriage. However, Fire types can be quick to anger, though they never hold grudges for long.

Year: Years ending in 8 or 9

Color: Yellow (8), Gold (9)

Planet: Saturn

Climate: Damp

Earth element people are practical and reliable. They stay calm in most situations and are easy to be around. Earth types are patient and steady workers who never give up. They can handle difficult situations when others have lost hope.

These people are honest and responsible in all they do. When Earth types make a promise, they always keep it. They are kind and do not judge others harshly. Earth element people live simply and do not need expensive things to be happy, though they still appreciate quality and beauty.

In relationships, Earth types find it hard to express their feelings at first. They are not comfortable with romance in the beginning. However, once they feel safe and loved, they become very dependable partners. They show their love through practical actions like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of their home and children.

Year: Years ending in 0 or 1

Color: White (0), Silver (1)

Planet: Venus

Climate: Dry

Metal element people are strong and determined like steel. They are attractive and make good impressions on others. Metal types have clear ideas about what is right and wrong. They face challenges directly and can solve problems quickly.

These people are independent and focused on their goals. They have refined manners and speak in pleasant voices. Metal types are brave and do not run away from difficult situations. They can cut through confusion and make clear decisions when needed.

However, Metal element people can be very judgmental. They have strong opinions and can be harsh when they disagree with someone. In relationships, they often attract others easily because of their charming appearance. They are careful about settling down and will only commit when they feel ready. When Metal types are interested in someone, they show their charm confidently.

Year: Years ending in 2 or 3

Color: Black (2), Gray (3)

Planet: Mercury

Climate: Cold

Water element people are gentle and elegant like flowing water. They appear calm on the outside but have deep emotions inside. Water types are creative and imaginative. They enjoy activities like reading and writing more than physical exercise.

These people are sensitive and understanding of others' feelings. They are modest and prefer to work independently without too much supervision. Water types do not like leadership positions because they find power stressful. When left alone to work, they can create amazing things from ordinary materials.

Water element people are empathetic friends and partners. They care deeply about the emotions of people around them. However, their own strong feelings can sometimes overwhelm them. In love, they usually do not make the first move. But when their partner shows interest, they respond warmly and give back even more affection.

The Chinese zodiac element system also explains how different people interact with each other. The five elements have special relationships that can be positive or negative. Understanding these interactions can help you know why you connect well with some people and have conflicts with others. These element relationships come from how elements behave in nature.

Generating Interaction

Generating interactions are positive relationships where two elements help each other grow. In Chinese, this word means giving life and nurturing. When two people with generating elements come together, they both become stronger and happier. These pairs work well in friendship, love, and business partnerships.

The five generating interactions are:

- Wood feeds Fire

- Fire creates Earth

- Earth contains Metal

- Metal holds Water

- Water nourishes Wood

Overcoming Interaction

Overcoming interactions are negative relationships where elements conflict with each other. These pairs often have disagreements and struggles. In traditional Chinese culture, people avoided marriages between overcoming elements. Relationships with these element pairs may face more challenges and require more effort to maintain harmony.

The five overcoming interactions are:

- Wood splits Earth

- Earth stops Water

- Water extinguishes Fire

- Fire melts Metal

- Metal chops Wood