にんまり
にんまり
adverb
with a satisfied grin; smilingly
1.
with a self-satisfied grin; with a smug or pleased smile
Describes the expression or manner of someone smiling to themselves out of self-satisfaction, smug pleasure, or quiet delight — often when something went their way or they have a secret advantage.
にんまりと笑う。
To smile with satisfaction.
試合に勝って、にんまりした。
He smiled smugly after winning the match.
値引きしてもらえたので、にんまりしながら店を出た。
I left the shop with a satisfied grin after getting a discount.
An onomatopoeic/mimetic adverb describing a self-satisfied smile. Has a slightly smug or scheming quality that makes it distinct from simply smiling happily. Often used with する or と笑う.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- にんまりする: to grin with satisfaction
- にんまりと笑う: to smile smugly
- にんまりした顔: a self-satisfied expression
SIMILAR WORDS:
- にっこり: smiling brightly — warm and open, not self-satisfied
- ニヤリ: grinning slyly — more sinister or mischievous
- にやにや: smirking — sustained, often unsettling grin