A2 Expression 중립 3분 분량

I'm proud of you

Pride expression

Use this phrase to show genuine appreciation for someone's growth, effort, or success in a warm way.

15초 만에

  • Expresses deep satisfaction in someone's achievements or hard work.
  • Commonly used between parents, children, friends, and supportive colleagues.
  • Focuses on the effort and character of the person.
  • Best used when someone overcomes a challenge or grows.

This phrase tells someone you feel great about their success or hard work. It is like giving them a warm hug with your words to show you value their effort.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

A child finishes a difficult puzzle

I'm proud of you for not giving up on that puzzle!

I'm proud of you for not giving up on that puzzle!

🤝
2

A friend gets a promotion

You worked so hard for this; I'm proud of you!

You worked so hard for this; I'm proud of you!

💭
3

In a professional performance review

I am proud of the way you handled that difficult client.

I am proud of the way you handled that difficult client.

💼
🌍

문화적 배경

This phrase is a cornerstone of Western 'encouragement culture.' It became significantly more popular in the mid-20th century as parenting styles shifted toward building self-esteem. Today, it is used to foster emotional intelligence and strong bonds in both families and modern workplaces.

💡

The 'So' Factor

Adding 'so' (I'm so proud of you) makes the phrase feel much more emotional and heartfelt.

⚠️

Watch the Hierarchy

Avoid saying this to your boss or someone much higher in rank; it can sound like you are judging their performance from above.

15초 만에

  • Expresses deep satisfaction in someone's achievements or hard work.
  • Commonly used between parents, children, friends, and supportive colleagues.
  • Focuses on the effort and character of the person.
  • Best used when someone overcomes a challenge or grows.

What It Means

I'm proud of you is a powerful way to say 'well done.' It means you see someone's hard work. You feel happy because they did something good. It is not just about the result. It is about the person's character and effort. It feels like a pat on the back. It makes the listener feel seen and valued.

How To Use It

Use it when someone finishes a hard task. You can say it after a big win. You can also say it for small steps. Put I'm (or I am) at the start. Follow it with proud of. End with the person you are talking to. You can add so to make it stronger: I'm so proud of you! It works in person, over the phone, or in a text. Just make sure your voice sounds warm and sincere.

When To Use It

Use it when a friend gets a new job. Use it when your child cleans their room without being asked. It is perfect for graduation ceremonies. Tell a coworker this after they give a great presentation. If your friend finally finishes a long book, say it! It is great for emotional support. It tells people that their journey matters to you. Even a small win deserves this phrase.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for things people cannot control. For example, don't say it because someone is tall. That sounds a bit strange! Avoid using it with your boss. It might sound like you are 'ranking' them. It can feel a little condescending if the power balance is wrong. Also, don't say it if you are actually jealous. People can smell fake pride from a mile away! Keep it for moments of genuine joy.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is very common. It is a core part of 'positive reinforcement.' Parents say it to children constantly to build confidence. In the US and UK, expressing emotions like this is encouraged. It moved from being a very serious statement to an everyday kindness. It reflects a culture that celebrates individual achievement. It is the ultimate 'feel-good' sentence in the English language.

Common Variations

There are many ways to tweak this. You can say I'm proud of what you've done. You might hear You should be proud of yourself! This shifts the focus to their own feelings. For a more casual vibe, try Way to go! or I'm impressed. If you want to be very British, you might say Good on you! But I'm proud of you remains the gold standard for deep, personal connection.

사용 참고사항

This phrase is generally neutral to informal. It requires a level of emotional closeness or a mentor-student relationship to feel natural.

💡

The 'So' Factor

Adding 'so' (I'm so proud of you) makes the phrase feel much more emotional and heartfelt.

⚠️

Watch the Hierarchy

Avoid saying this to your boss or someone much higher in rank; it can sound like you are judging their performance from above.

💬

The Self-Pride Shift

English speakers often say 'You should be proud of yourself' to help someone build their own confidence instead of relying on others.

예시

6
#1 A child finishes a difficult puzzle
🤝

I'm proud of you for not giving up on that puzzle!

I'm proud of you for not giving up on that puzzle!

Focuses on the effort rather than just the finished picture.

#2 A friend gets a promotion
💭

You worked so hard for this; I'm proud of you!

You worked so hard for this; I'm proud of you!

Validates the friend's long-term dedication.

#3 In a professional performance review
💼

I am proud of the way you handled that difficult client.

I am proud of the way you handled that difficult client.

Used by a mentor to a mentee to show professional respect.

#4 Texting a friend who went to the gym
😄

You actually went at 5 AM? I'm proud of you lol.

You actually went at 5 AM? I'm proud of you lol.

A lighthearted way to acknowledge a small but funny achievement.

#5 A partner overcomes a personal fear
💭

I'm so proud of you for speaking your mind today.

I'm so proud of you for speaking your mind today.

Deeply supportive and reinforces emotional safety.

#6 A student passes a hard exam
😊

I'm proud of you, you've come a long way!

I'm proud of you, you've come a long way!

Recognizes the journey of learning.

셀프 테스트

Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.

I am so proud ___ your progress this semester!

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: of

In English, the adjective 'proud' is almost always followed by the preposition 'of'.

Which response is the most natural when someone says 'I'm proud of you'?

Speaker A: I'm proud of you! Speaker B: ___

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Thank you, that means a lot.

Acknowledging the sentiment with gratitude is the most polite and natural response.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of 'I'm proud of you'

Informal

Used with close friends and family.

So proud of ya!

Neutral

Standard usage in most daily situations.

I'm proud of you.

Formal

Used in mentorship or professional growth.

I am very proud of your achievements.

When to say 'I'm proud of you'

I'm proud of you
🎓

Graduations

You finally finished!

🧗

Personal Growth

You faced your fear.

💼

Hard Work

That project was tough.

🍳

Small Wins

You cooked a meal!

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, that is a common mistake. We always use the preposition of after proud when referring to a person or action.

It is usually too personal for a stranger. It is better to say Great job or Well done if you don't know the person well.

The best way is to say Thank you. You can also add That's very kind of you to say or I appreciate your support.

Not at all! You can use it for small things like a friend finally cleaning their car or someone trying a new food they were afraid of.

Yes, if you are a manager or mentor. For example, I'm proud of the team's effort this quarter is very motivating.

It is very common for parents to say it to children, but adults say it to each other too. It just shows deep support.

Good job is about the task. I'm proud of you is about the person and how they handled the challenge.

No, proud is an adjective, not a verb. You must use the verb 'to be,' like I am proud of you or I'm proud of you.

Yes, it is used across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, though Americans tend to use it slightly more frequently in casual conversation.

Yes! You can say I'm proud of myself. It is a great way to practice self-love and acknowledge your own hard work.

관련 표현

Way to go!

An informal way to say 'well done' or 'good job'.

I'm impressed.

Shows that you think someone's work or skill is very high quality.

Kudos to you.

A way to give someone credit or praise for an achievement.

You killed it!

Slang for doing something exceptionally well, like a performance or a test.

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