得意 déyì proud of oneself
proud of oneself; complacent
How to remember 得意: 得 get + 意 idea = proud of oneself.
Characters
How it is used
- Pleased with oneself / complacent - 他很得意 (tā hěn déyì) he's quite smug; 得意的笑 a self-satisfied smile.
- 得 (get) + 意 (wish) = things going one's way; can be neutral (proud/pleased) or negative (cocky).
- 洋洋得意 (yángyáng déyì) = triumphantly pleased. Contrast 骄傲 (jiāo'ào) 'proud (or arrogant)'; 得意 is the momentary glee of success.
Example sentences
- 儿子得意地要胁妈妈。 Érzi déyì de yāoxié māma.The son smugly coerces his mother.
- 凡人皆有得意时。 Fánrén jiē yǒu déyì shí.Every dog has his day.