得意
déyì · HSK 4
be proud of
😤 得 = obtain + 意 = idea/intent → got what you wanted, feeling smug
得 means to obtain or get; 意 means idea, will, or satisfaction. Together: your intentions were achieved, hence pride or complacency. The English gloss tilts negative (smug), but it can also mean genuinely pleased with oneself.
得 — 彳 (step) + 旦 (sun/day) + 寸 (hand)
Originally depicted a hand 寸 reaching for a cowrie shell 貝 (later simplified to 旦), with 彳 'step' added to show going out and obtaining something. The core meaning is 'to get' or 'obtain'. The reading děi extends this to 'must/have to' — what one is obliged to get done.