Chinese Character: 骄
1. Character Basics
Radical: 马/mǎ radical (horse radical)
Stroke Count: 9
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiāo (first tone)
3. Meaning
proud, arrogant, conceited, spirited
4. Common Words
- 骄傲 (jiāo ào) - proud, arrogant
- 骄横 (jiāo hèng) - arrogant and imperious
- 骄阳 (jiāo yáng) - scorching sun
- 骄纵 (jiāo zòng) - spoil, pamper
- 骄子 (jiāo zǐ) - favored child, pride and joy
- 骄气 (jiāo qì) - arrogance, conceit
5. Grammar & Usage
"骄" is often used in compound words to describe a proud or arrogant attitude.
The most common compound is "骄傲" (jiāo ào), which can be used both positively (to be proud of something) and negatively (to be arrogant).
When used in the structure "骄+于", it means "to be proud of" or "to take pride in".
In literary Chinese, "骄" can also describe things that are impressive or powerful, such as "骄阳" (scorching sun).
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, modesty is highly valued, and excessive pride or arrogance ("骄") is generally discouraged.
There are many idioms and proverbs that warn against the dangers of being too proud, such as "骄兵必败" (A proud army is bound to lose).
However, taking appropriate pride in one's achievements or in one's country is considered positive, expressed by phrases like "为祖国感到骄傲" (to be proud of one's country).
The character's original meaning was related to horses, describing a spirited or unruly horse, which later evolved to describe human behavior.
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 我们为中国的发展感到骄傲。
Pinyin: Wǒmen wèi Zhōngguó de fāzhǎn gǎndào jiāo'ào.
Translation: We are proud of China's development.
8. Memory Tips
The character "骄" consists of two parts: the radical "马" (horse) on the left and "乔" (qiáo) on the right.
The "马" radical relates to the original meaning of a spirited or unruly horse.
To remember this character, think of a proud horse - combining the horse radical with the phonetic component "乔" gives the meaning of pride or arrogance.