骄傲

• Pinyin: jiāo ào
• Hanzi breakdown: 骄 = 马 (horse) + 乔, proud/spirited horse; 傲 = 亻(person) + 敖, haughty

Meaning

Proud; pride. Can be positive (taking pride in) or negative (arrogant).

Has two distinct uses: positive pride in achievements or loved ones, and negative arrogance or conceit. Context determines the meaning. Often used with 为...感到骄傲 (to feel proud of).

Examples

1. 父母为孩子考上名牌大学而感到无比骄傲。 The parents felt incredibly proud that their child got into a prestigious university.
2. 他取得了一点成绩就开始骄傲起来，这种态度要不得。 He achieved a little success and started getting arrogant — that attitude won't do.
3. 中国航天事业的发展是全体中国人的骄傲。 The development of China's aerospace industry is the pride of all Chinese people.

Usage Guide

Context: achievements, family, criticism

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 我为你感到骄傲！(I'm proud of you!)
• 不要太骄傲，谦虚使人进步。(Don't be too proud — humility leads to progress.)

Don't Say

• 在不清楚语境时使用骄傲 (Clarify whether you mean positive pride or negative arrogance)

Origin & History

Compound of 骄 (proud horse/arrogant) + 傲 (haughty). Both characters relate to pride or arrogance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal