骄 (jiāo) — Proud
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · fine-line & minimalist friendly
Browse all 骄 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
骄 (jiāo) means “proud” in the sense of swelling, radiant self-regard — and, positively, a favored or blazing quality. 骄傲 (jiāo'ào) is “proud,” 骄阳 (jiāoyáng) is the “blazing sun,” and 天骄 (tiānjiāo) is a “proud son of heaven.” As a tattoo it can read as confident radiance or, with care, as excessive pride. It pairs with 傲 to form 骄傲 (proud).
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: jiāo — a first tone (high, level, sustained). The character uses the 马 (horse) radical on the left with 乔 (qiáo) as the phonetic, originally a fine, tall horse — the source of its “proud/lofty” feel.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 骄 as a Tattoo
骄 is a radiant single-character tattoo for “proud” — for those who want pride expressed as warmth and brilliance rather than cold haughtiness. It reads as “proud/blazing” to Chinese readers and inks with upward energy. The character suits confident spirits who identify with the 骄阳 (blazing sun) or 天骄 (chosen one) imagery. Pair with 傲 as 骄傲 for the classic “proud” pairing.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Lovely in fine-line, minimalist, or warm brush styles — 骄 is balanced and reads well small-to-medium. Placements: inner forearm, collarbone, rib, upper back, or wrist. Pairs with 傲 as 骄傲 or 阳 as 骄阳. Size warning: keep the 马 horse radical clear at ~5 mm+.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 骄 can mean excessive pride (骄横), so confirm the radiant, confident sense you intend. handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists so your 骄 reads exactly as “proud.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 骄 mean in Chinese?
How do you pronounce 骄?
Is 骄 a good tattoo for 'proud'?
What is the difference between 骄 and 傲?
What words use 骄?
Why is 骄 linked to horses?