得意顔(とくいがお)

とくいがお
noun
triumphant look; proud expression
appearanceemotion
1. triumphant look; smug, proud expression
The look on the face of someone pleased with their own success and wanting it noticed. Affectionate when used of a child, mildly critical when used of an adult.
得意顔(とくいがお)で話(はな)している。
He's talking with a triumphant look on his face.
弟(おとうと)は百点(ひゃくてん)のテストを得意顔(とくいがお)で見(み)せた。
My little brother proudly showed off his perfect test score.
自分(じぶん)の手柄(てがら)を得意顔(とくいがお)で語(かた)る人(ひと)は、あまり好(す)かれない。
People who recount their own achievements with a smug expression aren't much liked.

Nearly always adverbial: 得意顔(とくいがお)で + a verb of speaking or showing.

Common collocations

  • 得意顔(とくいがお)で話(はな)す: to speak with a triumphant air
  • 得意顔(とくいがお)になる: to look pleased with oneself

Expression series

顔(かお) attaches to many words to name a facial expression:

Similar words

  • 誇(ほこ)らしげ: looking proud — warmer, without the hint of showing off

Related Words

Compare: 誇(ほこ)らしげ (looking proud)
Compare: したり顔(がお) (smug look)
general
Added 2026.8.15 21:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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