得意扬扬

déyì-yángyáng

HSK 3.0 Level 7

Save to list

Definitions

1. looking triumphant
2. self-satisfied
3. smug

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 失意 shī yì 失意 shī yì disappointed; frustrated Opposite state of feeling dejected or disappointed.: disappointed; frustrated

Related words

2 items

• 沾沾自喜 zhān zhān zì xǐ 沾沾自喜 zhān zhān zì xǐ immeasurably self-satisfied Similar meaning of being self-satisfied.: immeasurably self-satisfied
• 趾高气扬 zhǐ gāo qì yáng 趾高气扬 zhǐ gāo qì yáng high and mighty (idiom); arrogant Describes an arrogant, triumphant demeanor.: high and mighty (idiom); arrogant

Synonyms

1 item

• 得意洋洋 dé yì yáng yáng 得意洋洋 dé yì yáng yáng joyfully satisfied Both describe a smug, self-satisfied expression.: joyfully satisfied

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with complements like 的样子 (déyìyángyáng de yàngzi) to describe someone's smug appearance.

Common mistakes

Don't confuse with 得意忘形 (déyìwàngxíng), which implies losing restraint due to overconfidence.

Child Words of 得意扬扬

• 得 得 dé: to obtain
• 得 得 de: structural particle: used after a verb (or adjective as main verb), linking it to following phrase indicating effect, degree, possibility etc
• 得 得 děi: to have to
• 扬 扬 yáng: to raise
• 意 意 yì: idea