Chinese word

得意

Pronunciation

Pinyindé yì

Meaning

  • adjectiveproud

Example

考试合格后，他很得意。kǎo shì hé gé hòu tā hěn dé yì

After passing the exam, he is very proud.

Illustration for 得意 (proud)

More examples

听到表扬，她露出得意的笑容。tīng dào biǎo yáng tā lù chū dé yì de xiào róng

After hearing the praise, she showed a proud smile.

Core concept

A result or skill feels like a personal win, bringing satisfaction that can show as pride or mark an area of strength.

Common phrases

  • 很得意hěn dé yì

    very proud

  • 得意的笑容dé yì de xiào róng

    proud smile

Similar words

骄傲jiāo ào: Having pride in one's achievements or abilities and showing a strong, self-assured manner.
自豪zì háo: Taking pride in achievements belonging to oneself or to a group or organization one is part of.
满意mǎn yì: Being pleased that something meets the expected standard or requirements.
自信zì xìn: Having firm belief in one's ability or judgment, with little uncertainty when acting.

Definition in Chinese

对自己某方面的表现或结果感到满足，于是在神情或言行上短暂地显得自得或骄傲。duì zì jǐ mǒu fāng miàn de biǎo xiàn huò jié guǒ gǎn dào mǎn zú yú shì zài shén qíng huò yán xíng shàng duǎn zàn dì xiǎn de zì dé huò jiāo ào

Word origin

The older sense of 得意 (déyì, "proud") is getting what one has in mind, and this success-based meaning developed into both visible pride and the idea of a skill in which someone excels.

Usage tips

  • For everyday conversation, 擅长 (shàncháng, "be good at") states ability neutrally, whereas 得意 (déyì, "feel proud") can suggest visible self-satisfaction.

Other meanings

  • good atadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word