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March 24, 2026
骄傲(驕傲)jiāo’ào(jiao1ao4)
骄傲 (jiāo'ào) refers to a sense of pride or arrogance. It can describe a positive feeling of being proud of one's achievements or possessions, but it often carries a negative connotation of being conceited or overly self-important in social contexts.
Frequency#1358DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and being 骄傲 can be seen as a social faux pas. This contrasts with some Western cultures where pride in one's accomplishments is often encouraged and celebrated.
Memory Tip
Imagine a peacock (known for its proud display of feathers) strutting around, showcasing its beauty. The character 骄 combines the radical for 'horse' (represented by '驕') and the character for 'to be proud,' symbolizing the pride one feels when they show off their strengths, just like a peacock.
Meanings of 骄傲
jiāo’ào(jiao1ao4)
1pride
2arrogance
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About 骄傲
骄傲Simplified
驕傲Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#1358Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 骄傲
Podcast: 骄傲
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AI Study Notes for 骄傲
Quick Contrast
自豪 (zìháo) refers to a positive sense of pride in one's achievements, while 骄傲 (jiāo'ào) often implies arrogance or conceit.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a peacock (known for its proud display of feathers) strutting around, showcasing its beauty. The character 骄 combines the radical for 'horse' (represented by '驕') and the character for 'to be proud,' symbolizing the pride one feels when they show off their strengths, just like a peacock.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 骄傲 with just 'pride' or 'confidence' without recognizing its negative implications. It's commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but be cautious with the tone; using it in a negative context can offend. Common collocations include '骄傲自满' (arrogantly self-satisfied) and '骄傲的态度' (proud attitude).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 骄傲 connects to themes of emotion and self-perception, which align well with other emotional vocabulary at this level. Focus on using it in sentences to express both positive pride and the more negative aspect of arrogance.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and being 骄傲 can be seen as a social faux pas. This contrasts with some Western cultures where pride in one's accomplishments is often encouraged and celebrated.
Common Mistakes
Learners might use 骄傲 incorrectly by saying '我感到骄傲' (I feel pride) in contexts where humility is expected. A better phrasing in such contexts might be '我感到自豪' (I feel proud).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 骄傲
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Grammar Patterns of 骄傲
骄傲 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Riding on the ridge of the bridge, the proud bride shouts loudly to the cloud.
6
骄傲和泼悍使她进退两难,她再也无法掩饰了.
jiāo ào hé pō hàn shǐ tā jìn tuì liǎng nán, , tā zài yě wú fǎ yǎn shì.
The straIt'she was in through pride and shrewishness could not be disguised longer.
7
智慧恨恶骄傲、狂妄 、 恶道和乖翏的口.
zhì huì hèn è jiāo ào、 、 kuáng、 wàng 、 è dào hé guāi liù.
Wisdom hates pride and arrogance, evil be haviore and perverse speech.
8
她骄傲地注视着鞋上闪亮的扣环.
tā jiāo ào dì zhù shì zháo xié shàng shǎn liàng de kòu huán.
She gazed proudly at the shiny buckles on her shoes.
9
正似乎为装满了钱钞便极其骄傲模样的抱兜, 在他眼下再现时,把原有和平失去了.
zhèng sì hū wéi zhuāng mǎn le qián chāo biàn jí qí jiāo ào mó yàng de bào dōu, , zài tā yǎn xià zài xiàn, shí , bǎ yuán yǒu hé píng shī.
Another mental picture of that pouch, so proudly bulging with money, destroyed his peace of mind.
10
他骄傲得不得了, 尾巴翘到天上去了.
tā jiāo ào dé bù dé le, , wěi bā qiáo dào tiān shàng qù.
He is very cocky, his tail sticking high up in the air.
Cultural Notes for 骄傲
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, humility is highly valued, and being 骄傲 can be seen as a social faux pas. This contrasts with some Western cultures where pride in one's accomplishments is often encouraged and celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions about 骄傲
Not necessarily; it can be used positively to express pride in achievements, but context is key.
For example, '他对自己的成绩感到骄傲' means 'He feels proud of his achievements.'
自信 (zìxìn) means confidence, which is generally positive, while 骄傲 can imply arrogance.
