満ち足りる

• Reading: みちたりる
• Romaji: michitariru
• Kanji breakdown: 満 (mi) — full, satisfied; 足 (ta) — sufficient, enough
• Pronunciation: /mi.tɕi.ta.ɾi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be fully content; to feel completely satisfied and fulfilled, with nothing lacking.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb combining 満ちる (to fill up, to be full) and 足りる (to suffice, to be enough). It describes a state of total contentment where one's needs, desires, and expectations are fully met. 満ち足りた (the past-tense adjectival form) commonly describes a satisfied expression or a fulfilled life.

Examples

1. 家族と囲む食卓を見渡し、彼は何もかもに満ち足りた気持ちになった。 Looking around the dinner table surrounded by family, he felt completely content with everything.
2. 全力を尽くした試合の後は、勝敗に関わらず満ち足りた充実感がある。 After a match where you've given your all, there's a deep sense of fulfillment regardless of the outcome.
3. 満ち足りた表情で眠る赤ちゃんを見ていると、こちらまで幸せになる。 Watching a baby sleeping with such a contented expression makes you feel happy too.

Usage Guide

Context: contentment, family, reflection, happiness

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound verb from 満ちる (to fill, to be full to capacity) and 足りる (to be sufficient). Together they evoke both emotional and material fullness — nothing lacking, nothing wanting.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal