Water Element (also known as Water Fate, Water Energy, or Five Elements Water) is a part of the Five Elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
So, what is the Water Element? Which years are associated with it? What are their personality traits and life path? Which numbers suit them? Which house directions are compatible? What colors match the Water Element?…
All these will be revealed by BTA Feng Shui in the article below.
1. What is the Water Element?
According to Five Elements Feng Shui, the Water Element is one of the five components that form the universe, symbolizing water (or winter).
The Water Element is characterized by gentleness and adaptability. However, it is also unpredictable and ever-changing. At its positive peak, Water nurtures and supports life. At its negative extreme, it can cause floods and instill overwhelming fear.

Additionally, based on the Five Elements principles of mutual generation and mutual destruction, we have:
- Metal generates Water: Molten metal turns into liquid.
- Water generates Wood: Water nourishes trees to grow.
- Earth overcomes Water: Soil absorbs and blocks water’s flow.
- Water overcomes Fire: Water can extinguish fire.
2. Types of Water Element and Their Birth Years
People with the Water Element are born in the following years: 1944, 1945, 1952, 1953, 1966, 1967, 1974, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1996, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2026, 2027, 2034, 2035, and so on. Details are as follows:
| Water Element Types | Birth Years |
| Giản Hạ Thủy (Underground Stream Water) |
Fire Rat (1936, 1996, 2056) Fire Ox (1937, 1997, 2057) |
| Tuyền Trung Thủy (River Midstream Water) |
Wood Monkey (1944, 2004, 2064) Wood Rooster (1945, 2005, 2065) |
| Trường Lưu Thủy (Long River Water Flowing to the Sea) |
Water Dragon (1952, 2012, 2072) Water Snake (1953, 2013, 2073) |
| Thiên Hà Thủy (Rainwater from the Sky) |
Fire Horse (1966, 2026, 2086) Fire Goat (1967, 2027, 2087) |
| Đại Khê Thủy (Great Ravine Water) |
Wood Tiger (1974, 2034, 2094) Wood Cat (1975, 2035, 2095) |
| Đại Hải Thủy (Ocean Water) |
Water Dog (1982, 2042, 3002) Water Pig (1983, 2043, 3003) |

Among these, the strongest Water Element is Đại Hải Thủy. According to Five Elements principles, Earth overcomes Water, but Ocean Water (Đại Hải Thủy) is not subdued by Earth (soil).
This element carries the power of water and wind, embodying a majestic and grand aura with the imagery of vast, boundless seas. As a result, individuals with the Đại Hải Thủy element often achieve great success in life.
=>> Learn more: Understanding the Five Elements’ Generating & Controlling Cycles
3. Which Colors Suit the Water Element?
3.1 Compatible Colors for the Water Element
According to Five Elements Feng Shui, the Water Element is compatible with its own colors: black, sea blue, blue, navy blue, etc., and generative colors from the Metal Element (Metal generates Water): white, gray, metallic, silver, charcoal, etc. These colors bring vitality, luck, and prosperity to their owners.
- Black: The most compatible color for Water Element individuals. Using black for clothing, accessories, phones, cars, or house paint helps them showcase strength, boldness, and personality.
- Blue: Assists Water Element individuals in overcoming life’s challenges and obstacles.
- White: A generative color for the Water Element, symbolizing purity and freshness, aiding in achieving success in life and work.
- Gray, charcoal, silver, etc.: Enhances vitality, adding a radiant glow, like an aura, to Water Element individuals.

3.2 Colors to Avoid for the Water Element
Water Element individuals should avoid colors associated with the Earth Element (Earth overcomes Water): earthy yellow, earthy brown, etc. These colors drain their positive energy, leaving them feeling rushed, lethargic, and facing numerous difficulties.
They should also steer clear of colors linked to the Fire Element (Water overcomes Fire): red, orange, pink, purple, etc., and colors of the Wood Element: green, lime green, etc. Since Water generates Wood, trees absorb water to grow, which diminishes the Water Element’s vitality.
4. Which Elements Are Compatible with the Water Element?
4.1 Harmonious Elements
According to the Five Elements’ mutual generation principle, the Water Element is harmonious with the Water Element, Wood Element, and Metal Element.
- Metal Element: Since Metal generates Water, partnerships or marriages with Metal Element individuals lead to a fulfilling life and significant achievements.
- Wood Element: As Water generates Wood, this combination still yields positive outcomes. Marriages or business ventures thrive, though the Wood Element benefits more.
- Water Element: Water Element individuals are also compatible with each other. This pairing boosts vitality, helping couples overcome challenges to build great success.

4.2 Conflicting Elements
Based on the Five Elements’ mutual destruction principle, the Water Element conflicts with the Earth Element and Fire Element.
- Earth Element (Earth overcomes Water): Representing soil, which absorbs water and blocks its flow. In this pairing, the Earth Element often drains the Water Element’s positive energy and luck, yielding little benefit.
- Fire Element (Water overcomes Fire): Representing fire, which water extinguishes. This combination typically harms the Fire Element. If the fire is too strong and water too weak, the water evaporates, so it’s best to avoid this pairing.
5. Personality and Life Path of Water Element Individuals
Personality
Like the flow of water, Water Element individuals are gentle and sociable yet resilient and strong. Their eloquence and persuasive skills make them adept at business.

Water Element individuals often lead an open, approachable lifestyle, earning them admiration and respect from those around them.
- Women: Typically gentle and introverted, they persuade others softly and never force their will.
- Men: Often reserved and quiet yet full of affection, always caring for others.
Overall, Water Element individuals are deeply emotional, which can sometimes disadvantage them. They overthink and occasionally worry excessively about certain matters.
Career
In Five Elements Feng Shui, every entity has a representative element, and careers follow this rule. To answer which careers suit the Water Element, we rely on the principles of mutual generation and destruction.

Thus, Water Element individuals should choose careers tied to the Water, Metal, and Wood Elements for easy growth and success. They should avoid careers linked to the conflicting Earth and Fire Elements, as these limit their potential and hinder strong development.
- Careers tied to the Water Element: Often involve water or require intellect and communication skills, such as doctor, lawyer, police officer, teacher, swimmer, coach, lifeguard, figure skater, marine biologist, brewer, or distiller. Also, communication and travel-related jobs like receptionist, diplomat, tour guide, sailor, transporter, or courier.
- Careers tied to the Metal Element: Human resources, banking, marketing, real estate, bonds, stocks, securities, freelance business, goldsmith, cashier, credit officer, insurance agent, auto manufacturing, mechanics, metallurgy, construction materials, machinery, etc.
- Careers tied to the Wood Element: Furniture store, woodcarver, Feng Shui item trader, Feng Shui plant seller, traditional medicine doctor, farmer, botanist, zoologist, educator, writer, religious worker, artist, etc.
Love Life
When choosing a partner for Water Element individuals, consider their specific sub-types (there are 6 sub-types). Specifically:
- Although Earth overcomes Water, Đại Hải Thủy (Ocean Water) and Thiên Hà Thủy (Rainwater) are not subdued by Earth. People with these sub-types can love Earth Element individuals and still enjoy a happy, successful life.
- For other sub-types, avoid pairing with the Earth Element. Instead, match with the Metal Element, Wood Element, or Water Element, depending on the sub-type.

6. Common Questions About the Water Element
6.1 Which Plants Suit the Water Element?
Water Element individuals excel in communication and persuasion but can be swayed by crowds, sensitive, and prone to negative thoughts. Choosing suitable Feng Shui plants can boost their motivation and self-worth.

Based on the Five Elements’ mutual generation, Metal generates Water. Thus, opt for plants with white leaves or flowers, or those with soft, flowing shapes that suit their nature.
Plants most compatible with the Water Element:
- Golden Pothos
- Tiger Tongue Plant
- Peace Lily
- Spider Plant
- Silver Pothos
- Water Pine
- Arhat Pine
- Bonsai Pine
- Japanese Palm
- Green Sprout
- Peace Bamboo
- Curved Dracaena
- Silver Stripe Plant
- And more…
6.2 Which Flowers Suit the Water Element?
Similar to plant selection, Water Element individuals are most compatible with flowers in black, blue, or white. Avoid flowers in red, orange, pink, purple, yellow, brown, or green.
Some flowers suitable for the Water Element include:
- White Wishbone Flower
- Daisy
- Lily
- White Rose
- Water Chrysanthemum
- White Bellflower
- Bluebell
- Iris
- And more…
6.3 Which Numbers Suit the Water Element?
In Five Elements Feng Shui, each element has corresponding numbers, as shown below:
| Element | Metal | Wood | Water | Fire | Earth |
| Compatible Numbers | 6, 7 | 3, 4 | 0, 1 | 9 | 2, 5, 8 |
Thus, Water Element individuals are compatible with numbers: 0, 1, 6, 7. Numbers 0 and 1 belong to the Water Element, while 6 and 7 belong to the Metal Element (Metal generates Water).

When choosing phone numbers, bank account numbers, or license plates, select sequences rich in these numbers to attract vitality, luck, and prosperity.
Water Element individuals should avoid numbers tied to the conflicting Earth and Fire Elements: 2, 5, 8, 9.
6.4 Which Directions Suit the Water Element?
According to the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), each element corresponds to specific directions:
- Metal Element: West, Northwest
- Wood Element: East, Southeast
- Water Element: North
- Fire Element: South
- Earth Element: Northeast, Southwest

Thus, Water Element individuals are most compatible with North, West, and Northwest. North represents the Water Element, while West and Northwest represent the Metal Element (Metal generates Water).
Additionally, men with the Water Element may also suit South and Southeast. These directions help them strengthen their willpower and create opportunities for personal growth.
Note: Choosing directions for a house, desk, kitchen, or main door requires considering multiple factors. Consult a trusted Feng Shui expert for the most accurate advice.
6.5 Which Tattoos Suit the Water Element?
Based on mutual generation, Water Element individuals should choose tattoos tied to the Metal Element, such as swords, diamonds, anchors, Iron Man, crosses, or artistic lettering. These reflect strength and personality while symbolizing protection.
Tattoos representing the Water Element, like water dragons, sharks, blue koi fish, water droplets, clovers, rain, or bird wings, are also fitting. They’re not only beautiful but bring luck and positivity to Water Element individuals.
6.6 What Names Suit Children of the Water Element?
The Water Element symbolizes water, rain, winter, and purity. Names for Water Element children should reflect these themes.
- Names tied to the Water Element: Tears, Sea, Ice, Ocean, Mist, Rain, Lake, River, Water, Stream, etc.
- Names tied to compatible colors: Gold, Jade, Pearl, Moon, Sun, Light, Snow, Bamboo, Blue, etc.
- Names to counter Water’s softness: Resolve, Bell, Duty, Steel, Pine, Rise, Wisdom, Shine, etc.
- Names reflecting Water’s virtues: Justice, Truth, Trust, Integrity, Kindness, Filial Piety, Compassion, Obedience, Loyalty, etc.
Girls’ Names for the Water Element (Vietnamese Name)
Khánh An, Thùy An, Hạ Băng, Băng Di, Thúy Giang, Hà Giang, Thu Hà, Việt Hà, Mai Hoa, Ngân Khánh, Cẩm Lệ, Nhật Lệ, Hồng Nhung, Tuyết Nhung, Thanh Nga, Phương Trinh, Hà Thu, Minh Thu, Thu Thủy, Minh Thủy, Thanh Thủy, Cát Tiên, Thủy Tiên, Mai Sương, Phương Uyên, etc.
Boys’ Names for the Water Element (Vietnamese Name)
Thanh Hưng, Quốc Hoàn, Thanh Đồng, Quốc Hữu, Minh Hợp, Mạnh Tiến, Song Luân, Quang Toàn, Văn Toàn, Mạnh Quyết, Hữu Quyết, Anh Vũ, Quang Vũ, Đức Thắng, Đình Trọng, Viết Cương, etc.
6.7 Which Pets Suit the Water Element?
Choosing Feng Shui-compatible pets supports work and life, bringing joy and comfort to Water Element individuals. They should select pets tied to the Water and Metal Elements.

Pets compatible with the Water Element include:
- Fish: Dragon Fish, Koi, Parrot Fish, Goldfish, etc.
- Birds, Ostriches, etc.
- White Mice
- Turtles
- Dogs or Cats with white, black, or gray fur
- And more…
6.8 Which Stones Suit the Water Element?
Water Element individuals are compatible with Quartz (White, Black, Black Hair), Blue Topaz, Obsidian, Moonstone, Black-and-White Tiger’s Eye, etc.
6.9 Which Paintings Suit the Water Element?
Water Element individuals suit paintings of rivers, oceans, skies, or imagery of gold, silver, and gemstones, such as:
- Smooth Sailing
- Nine Fish Gathering
- Romantic Mountains and Rivers
- Riverside Countryside
- Pine and Crane with Peonies
- Nine Fish Scroll
- Four Seasons (Pine, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo, Plum)
- And more…
6.10 What Should Water Element Individuals Wear?
Water Element individuals should wear gemstone jewelry in white, like silver or diamonds, or in black and blue, such as Topaz or Sapphire, to attract luck and prosperity.
Additionally, jewelry in red, pink, or purple is also suitable. Since Water overcomes Fire, these colors help them strengthen their willpower and resilience.
The Water Element embodies the imagery of water, representing winter. These individuals are skillful yet can become overly yielding. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses helps them adapt to life’s challenges.
We hope this article from BTA Feng Shui has provided valuable insights about the Water Element. Don’t forget to rate it 5 stars and share if you found it helpful!



















