Definition
洋洋自得 is a four-character idiom (成语) that describes someone who is extremely pleased with themselves, often in a smug or self-satisfied way. It is used as a verb phrase, typically in the pattern '对…洋洋自得' (to be smug about something) or '洋洋自得地…' (to do something smugly). The literal meaning is 'vast and self-satisfied', but it carries a slightly negative connotation of excessive pride.
v
to be immensely pleased with oneselfto be smugto be complacent
Examples
- 洋洋自得。Tā yīnwèi kǎo le dì yī míng ér yáng yáng zì dé.He was immensely pleased with himself for getting first place in the exam.
- 洋洋自得，。Bié nàme yáng yáng zì dé, xià cì nǐ kěnéng huì shū.Don't be so smug; you might lose next time.
- 洋洋自得。Tā yáng yáng zì dé de jiǎngshù le zìjǐ de chéngjiù.He complacently recounted his own achievements.
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