得意

• Pinyin: dé yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 得 = 彳(step) + 旦 (dawn) + 寸 (measure); 意 = 音 (sound) + 心 (heart)

Meaning

Pleased with oneself; proud; complacent. Describes a feeling of satisfaction or smugness about one's own achievements.

Can be positive (genuinely proud and happy) or mildly negative (smug, showing off). Context determines whether it conveys healthy pride or arrogant self-satisfaction. Often appears in the four-character expression 得意忘形 (so pleased with oneself that one loses composure). The phrase 得意洋洋 describes someone beaming with pride.

Examples

1. 他考了第一名，脸上露出得意的笑容。 He got first place on the exam and showed a proud smile on his face.
2. 别太得意了，下次考试可能就没这么简单了。 Don't be too smug — the next exam might not be this easy.
3. 她得意地向大家展示自己画的画。 She proudly showed everyone the painting she drew.

Usage Guide

Context: emotion, personality, everyday

Tone: varied

Do Say

• 他最近工作很顺利，看起来非常得意。(His work has been going well recently — he looks very pleased with himself.)
• 不要太得意，要继续努力。(Don't get too complacent — keep working hard.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合用得意来赞扬别人 (In formal settings, don't use 得意 to praise others — it can sound condescending; use 自豪 for genuine pride)

Origin & History

得 means to obtain or achieve, and 意 means desire or intention. Together, 'obtaining what one desires' — hence the feeling of satisfaction and pride.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal