Proverb / Kotowaza
意気揚々
To be in high spirits, feeling proud and triumphant.
one's spirit rising high
Quick Answer
To be in high spirits, feeling proud and triumphant.
- Literal Image
- one's spirit rising high
- How to Use It
- Used to describe people who have achieved something significant, such as winning a competition, passing an entrance exam, or completing a successful project.
Meaning
Describes a state of being full of pride and vigor after a success or achievement. It captures the image of someone moving with confidence and energy because they are pleased with their results or current situation.
Literal Image
one's spirit rising high
How to Use It
Used to describe people who have achieved something significant, such as winning a competition, passing an entrance exam, or completing a successful project.
Tone
Neutral to positive. It conveys a sense of visible pride and high morale.
Examples
優勝したチームは、意気揚々とグラウンドを行進した。
The winning team marched onto the field in high spirits.
難関大学に合格し、彼は意気揚々と新生活をスタートさせた。
After passing the entrance exam for a prestigious university, he started his new life in high spirits.
プロジェクトの成功を報告するため、彼は意気揚々と社長室に向かった。
He headed to the president's office in high spirits to report the success of the project.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a four-character idiom (yojijukugo). While the individual kanji are relatively accessible, the compound structure and reading are typical of advanced vocabulary.
意気
いき / iki
spirit; morale
揚々
ようよう / yoyo
rising high; triumphant
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
Do not confuse it with simple happiness; it specifically implies a visible sense of pride and vigor following an achievement.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
"Iki" refers to one's spirit or morale, while "yoyo" describes the appearance of rising high. Together, the term expresses a state where one's spirits are elevated and they are overflowing with confidence.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.