自豪 (zìháo) means 'proud' when used as an adjective and 'pride' when used as a noun. The character 自 (zì) means 'self', and 豪 (háo) means 'heroic', 'magnificent', or 'grand'. Together, they literally suggest 'self-magnificence' — a feeling of deep personal satisfaction and esteem arising from one's own achievements, qualities, or associations (e.g., family, country, culture). It carries a positive, dignified connotation and is commonly used to express justified pride — not arrogance.

This word appears frequently in formal speeches, education contexts, and everyday conversation — for example, parents may say they feel 自豪 about their child’s accomplishments, or citizens might describe feeling 自豪 about national progress. Unlike the English word 'proud', 自豪 rarely implies boastfulness; it emphasizes heartfelt respect and appreciation rooted in genuine merit or shared identity.