adverb taking the 'to' particle, taru-adjective
triumphantly; proudly; smugly
Describes a self-satisfied, gloating manner, often with a visible air of pride. Used adverbially with と or as a たる adjective.
He talked smugly about his own success story.
He passed the exam and is looking very pleased with himself.
He received the certificate with a smug look on his face.
She proudly showed off her certificate with a smug air.
He began speaking with a smug, triumphant expression on his face.
自慢げ focuses on the boastful attitude itself, while 得々 emphasizes the triumphant, self-pleased manner in which something is said or done.
Standard kanji spelling with iteration mark; the most common written form.
Katakana spelling; often used for stylistic effect or in informal writing.
Alternate kanji spelling without iteration mark; less common but still used.
Kana spelling; used when the kanji is avoided or for emphasis.
Reduplication of 得 (とく, 'profit, gain'), emphasizing a state of having gained an advantage. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the form suggests an adverbial/adjectival use meaning 'in a state of having gained'.