にんまり

にんまり
adverb, onomatopoeia
with a satisfied grin; smilingly
descriptive
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(わら)う。
To smile with satisfaction.
試合(しあい)に勝(か)って、にんまりした。
He smiled smugly after winning the match.
値引(ねび)きしてもらえたので、にんまりしながら店(みせ)を出(で)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(わら)う.

Common patterns

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

Related Words

Compare: にっこり (smiling brightly)
Compare: にやにや (smirking)
general
Added 2026.6.11 4:40 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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