Korean Dictionary
How to say "I'm proud of you" in Korean
“I'm proud of you” in Korean is 자랑스러워요 (pronounced "Jarangseureowoyo").
자랑스러워요
Jarangseureowoyo
Usage & Context
Expressing pride in someone's accomplishments. Used by parents to children, mentors to students, and close friends to each other. The full phrase 당신이 자랑스러워요 (I'm proud of you) is more explicit. It's a deeply affirming statement in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
이번 대회에서 1등 했다고요? 정말 자랑스러워요!
You came in first place in the competition? I'm really proud of you!
How to use 자랑스러워요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I'm proud of you” is 자랑스러워요, romanized as Jarangseureowoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 자랑스러워요.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'jah-rahng-suh-roh-wuh-yoh' — six syllables, but flow them together. The 'jah' is soft like 'jar' without the r, and 'wuh' rhymes with 'wood' without the d.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
자랑스럽습니다
jarangseureopseumnida
Very formal — used in speeches, ceremonies, or when addressing superiors publicly
Casual (반말)
자랑스러워
jarangseureowo
Casual form between close friends, family, or from parents to children
More Example Sentences
a parent bragging about their child
우리 딸이 정말 자랑스러워요.
I'm really proud of our daughter.
encouraging a close friend after a hard time
네가 포기하지 않아서 자랑스러워.
I'm proud of you for not giving up.
after watching a friend's performance
그렇게 큰 무대에 선 네가 너무 자랑스러워.
I'm so proud of you for standing on such a big stage.
Cultural Context
Korean parents traditionally don't verbalize pride as directly as Western parents — love often shows up as peeled fruit, packed lunches, and 'did you eat?' rather than 자랑스러워. Hearing 자랑스러워 from a Korean parent is a genuinely emotional moment and shows up constantly in K-drama climaxes, especially after suneung (college entrance) results. Younger Koreans are saying it more openly now, influenced by shifting emotional norms.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 자랑스러워요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
정말 자랑스러워요.
I'm really proud of you.
네가 자랑스러워.
I'm proud of you. (casual)
자랑스러운 아들/딸
A son/daughter to be proud of
Related Expressions
대견하다
daegyeonhada
to find someone admirable (often said to younger people)
뿌듯하다
ppudeutada
to feel a swell of pride/fulfillment
칭찬하다
chingchanhada
to praise
부끄럽다
bukkeureopda
to feel ashamed (antonym)
More Greetings Words
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