Translation guide
Describes the facial expression or demeanor of someone who has just won, succeeded, or feels victorious. Japanese often uses specific mimetic words, compound nouns, or descriptive phrases rather than a single direct translation.
To describe a facial expression showing smug satisfaction after a victory or success, often with a hint of arrogance.
A colloquial noun meaning a smug, triumphant face. Often used when someone is showing off their success in a slightly annoying but not necessarily malicious way. Common in casual conversation.
彼はテストで満点を取って、どや顔をしていた。
He got a perfect score on the test and had a triumphant look on his face.
A phrase meaning a proud, triumphant face. '得意げ' implies a sense of pride and self-satisfaction. Slightly more neutral than どや顔, can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
彼女はコンテストで優勝して、得意げな顔でトロフィーを見せた。
She won the contest and showed off the trophy with a triumphant look.
Literally 'face of exulting in victory'. Stronger and more dramatic than 得意げな顔. Often used in narratives or when describing someone gloating.
勝ち誇った顔で相手を見下ろした。
He looked down at his opponent with a triumphant look.
To describe a bright, happy face showing the joy of victory, without the negative connotation of smugness.
A general phrase meaning 'happy-looking face'. It can be used for any joyful expression, including triumph. Safe and natural in most contexts.
ゴールに入った瞬間、彼は嬉しそうな顔をした。
The moment he crossed the finish line, he had a triumphant look on his face.
A beaming smile that covers the whole face. Often used to describe a radiant, triumphant smile after a success.
優勝が決まると、彼女は満面の笑みを浮かべた。
When her victory was confirmed, she broke into a triumphant smile.
To describe the expression of someone who has just defeated an opponent or proven a point, often with a sharp or intense gaze.
An idiomatic phrase meaning a face that says 'I did it!' or 'I got you!'. It conveys a sense of having outwitted or bested someone. Very natural in casual speech.
彼は相手のミスを見逃さず、してやったりの顔をした。
He didn't miss his opponent's mistake and had a triumphant look on his face.
Similar to 勝ち誇った顔 but uses 表情 (expression) which can sound slightly more formal or descriptive. Suitable for writing.
彼の勝ち誇った表情が、観客の反感を買った。
His triumphant look drew resentment from the audience.
To vividly describe the facial expression using Japanese onomatopoeia, which often conveys nuance more effectively than a noun.
A mimetic adverb describing a broad, self-satisfied grin. Often used when someone is secretly pleased with their success. Can be used with 笑う or する.
彼はライバルの失敗を見て、にんまりと笑った。
He grinned triumphantly when he saw his rival's failure.
A mimetic word describing a state of being very pleased and satisfied, often after gaining something. It can describe a triumphant look when someone has profited or succeeded.
Direct translations like '勝利の顔' or '勝った顔' are not natural in Japanese. Use the idiomatic expressions provided instead.
どや顔 is very casual and often used in a teasing or self-deprecating way. 得意げな顔 is more neutral and can be used in polite conversation. 勝ち誇った顔 has a stronger, sometimes negative connotation of gloating.
彼女は昇給が決まって、ほくほく顔だ。
She got a raise and has a triumphant look on her face.