自豪
zi⁶ hou⁴
In Cantonese, proud is expressed as 自豪 (zi⁶ hou⁴).
The adjective 自豪 is used to describe feeling gratified, honoured or satisfied.
Meaning: gratified, feeling honoured, feeling satisfied (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 自 meaning 'self' and 豪 meaning 'grand' or 'heroic'.
Which one should you use?
自豪 is used for positive, healthy pride. This distinguishes it from words like 驕傲, which can sometimes imply being arrogant or conceited.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express being proud of someone or something, use the pattern 為 [subject] 感到自豪 (feel proud for [subject]).
How do you pronounce it?
zi⁶ hou⁴
Did you know?
- The character 自 not only means 'self' but is also the ancient pictograph for a 'nose', reflecting the physical gesture of tilting one's nose up when feeling proud.
- If you want to say someone is 'too proud' in a negative sense, like they are being boastful, you would use 得意 in certain contexts, even though its literal meaning is 'skillful' or 'happy'.
- The character 豪 in 自豪 is the same one used in 豪俠, referring to the chivalrous heroes of traditional Chinese folklore.
Examples in context
- 你係咪為你阿爸感到自豪？Are you proud of your father?This sentence shows how to ask if someone feels proud of their father using 自豪.Tatoeba #4544301 by kaenif, translation #70955 by CK
- 我對你的成就感到自豪。I am proud of your achievement.
- 這個團隊的成就令我們引以為豪。The achievements of this team make us proud.
- 佢為自己嘅成就感到自豪。keoi5 wai4 zi6 gei2 ge3 sing4 zeoi6 gam2 gok3 zi6 hou3.She feels proud of her achievements.
Example conversation
Yating and Zikian are talking about Zikian's new job.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting子健，恭喜你搵到咁好嘅工作！zi2 gin6, gung1 hei2 nei5 wan2 dou2 gam3 hou2 ge3 gung1 zok3!Zikian, congratulations on finding such a great job!
- 子健 Tsz Kin多謝你，雅婷，我好開心。do1 ze6 nei5, nga5 ting4, ngo5 hou2 hoi1 sam1.Thank you, Yating, I am very happy.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你應該為自己感到自豪。nei5 jing1 goi1 wai6 zi6 gei2 gam2 dou3 zi6 hou4.You should feel proud of yourself.
- 子健 Tsz Kin有你嘅支持，我更加有信心。jau5 nei5 ge3 zi1 ci4, ngo5 gang3 gaa1 jau5 sin3 sam1.With your support, I have even more confidence.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “proud” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
