It describes the feeling of satisfaction after success, but be careful not to sound arrogant.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Feeling satisfied and proud of one's achievements.
- Can imply being overly self-satisfied or arrogant.
- Commonly used to describe facial expressions or attitudes.
Overview
- 1概况：得意是一个多义词，核心含义是“称心如意”。当一个人实现了愿望或获得了成功，内心产生的愉悦感和满足感就是“得意”。它既可以描述一种正面的心理状态（如：终于完成了任务，他感到很得意），也可以描述一种外在的傲慢表现（如：他刚赢了一局就显得十分得意，令人不悦）。
Examples
他因为考试得了满分，显得非常得意。
everydayHe looked very proud because he got a perfect score on the exam.
小王刚升职，就有些得意忘形了。
informalXiao Wang got a bit carried away after his promotion.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
春风得意
to be in high spirits after success
Often Confused With
Self-respect and dignity regarding achievements. It is almost always positive.
Can mean 'proud' (positive) or 'arrogant' (negative). '得意' is more about the immediate feeling of satisfaction.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when speaking about oneself, it is often better to use more humble terms to avoid sounding conceited. It is frequently used with the particle '地' to describe actions, like '得意地笑'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '得意' as a direct translation for 'proud' in all situations. Remember that 'proud' of someone else is '为...感到骄傲'. Never use '得意' to describe being proud of someone else.
Tips
Watch your tone when using it
When describing yourself, use it sparingly to avoid sounding arrogant. It is better to use 'proud' (自豪) for formal achievements.
Avoid '得意忘形'
This is a common idiom meaning to lose one's head out of pride. It is a strong criticism of someone who is too full of themselves.
Humility in Chinese culture
Chinese culture values modesty. Being too '得意' can sometimes be perceived as a lack of emotional maturity or humility.
Word Origin
The word comes from classical Chinese, meaning 'to obtain the meaning' or 'to get what one wants'. Over time, it evolved to describe the emotional state of success.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, while personal success is celebrated, showing off is frowned upon. Therefore, '得意' often carries a warning note about the dangers of arrogance.
Memory Tip
Think of a person smiling broadly because they won a game. The feeling of 'I did it!' is the core of '得意'.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions不一定。它既可以表示中性的满足感，也可以表示积极的自豪，只有在形容人因为小成就而狂妄自大时才带有贬义色彩。
“满意”侧重于事情的结果符合预期；“得意”则侧重于个人在成就感中产生的心理愉悦和外在表现。
不可以。“得意”通常描述主体对自己的感受，不能直接加宾语表示对他人感到满意，应该使用“以你为荣”或“为你感到骄傲”。
Test Yourself
看到自己的画被选入展览，他脸上露出了___的笑容。
得意最能体现那种因小有成就而产生的喜悦感。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes the feeling of satisfaction after success, but be careful not to sound arrogant.
- Feeling satisfied and proud of one's achievements.
- Can imply being overly self-satisfied or arrogant.
- Commonly used to describe facial expressions or attitudes.
Watch your tone when using it
When describing yourself, use it sparingly to avoid sounding arrogant. It is better to use 'proud' (自豪) for formal achievements.
Avoid '得意忘形'
This is a common idiom meaning to lose one's head out of pride. It is a strong criticism of someone who is too full of themselves.
Humility in Chinese culture
Chinese culture values modesty. Being too '得意' can sometimes be perceived as a lack of emotional maturity or humility.
Examples
2 of 2他因为考试得了满分，显得非常得意。
He looked very proud because he got a perfect score on the exam.
小王刚升职，就有些得意忘形了。
Xiao Wang got a bit carried away after his promotion.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
