Chinese phrases
How to say I’m proud of you in Chinese
I’m proud of you in Chinese is 我为你骄傲 (wǒ wèi nǐ jiāo ào). Many parents, especially of the older generation, show pride in other words: 你真棒 (nǐ zhēn bàng), “you’re great,” or a calm 不错 (bú cuò), “not bad.”
我为你骄傲
I’m proud of you
为 here is wèi, “for”: 我为你骄傲 is literally “I am proud for you.”
Ways to say I’m proud of you
我为你骄傲
EverydayI’m proud of you
The direct way. Younger parents say it to their children, and you see it in speeches, cards and posts. Between adults, face to face, it can sound like a line from a film.
我为你感到骄傲
WrittenI feel proud of you
Fuller and more formal: in a speech, a letter or a graduation post.
你真棒
Everydayyou’re great
What many parents and teachers say to a child after a success. It praises the child and does not talk about the speaker’s feelings.
真为你高兴
With friendsI’m so happy for you
The natural choice between adults: a friend gets a new job, passes an exam or finishes a marathon.
你太厉害了
With friendsyou’re amazing
Admiration between equals. Friends and colleagues say it after a big win.
给我们家争光了
Everydayyou’ve brought honour to our family
From parents and grandparents after a big success, such as a top exam result or a prize. The success belongs to the whole family.
Common mistakes
Putting 你 after 骄傲
English puts “of you” after “proud.” In Chinese, 为你 comes before 骄傲: 我为你骄傲. Without 为, the sentence does not work.
Calling someone 骄傲
Said about a person, 骄傲 often means arrogant: 他很骄傲 means “he’s full of himself.” Teachers tell pupils 不要骄傲, “don’t let it go to your head.” For the warm meaning, say who you are proud of: 为你骄傲.
Reading 为 as wéi
You may know 为 as wéi from 认为 and 成为. In 为你 it is wèi, with a falling tone.
Missing praise that is not in words
Many parents, especially of the older generation, seldom say 我为你骄傲 to your face. They tell relatives about you, cook your favourite dish, or say 还不错. From a strict parent, 不错 is real praise.
The admission letter
爸，妈，我考上了！
Qiqi: Dad, Mom, I got in!
真的？妈妈为你骄傲！
Mom: Really? I’m so proud of you!
不错，给我们家争光了。
Dad: Not bad. You’ve done the family proud.
谢谢爸妈！
Qiqi: Thanks, Mom and Dad!
