crois en toi
To say "believe in yourself" in French, you use crois en toi.
This phrase is used to express that someone should have confidence in their own abilities or character. Note that the French expression croire en is specifically used for expressing faith or deep confidence in a person's essence, whereas croire used alone typically means believing that a specific fact or statement is true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase crois en toi is composed of the verb croire (to believe) and the prepositional phrase en toi (in you).
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people or using the formal vous form, the phrase changes to croyez en vous. You can also change the object by replacing the reflexive pronoun toi with other pronouns. For example, to say "believe in her", you say crois en elle.
Did you know?
- The word croire in crois en toi is a linguistic cousin of the English word 'credit'. Both terms evolved from the same ancient concept of trusting that something is true.
- In French, crois en toi carries a spiritual weight that 'believe in yourself' often lacks. Because croire en is the same construction used for religious faith, the phrase sounds like a deep affirmation of one's soul.
- The word 'en' in 'crois en toi' shares a common ancestor with the English preposition 'in', tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁én.
Examples in context
- Crois en toi.Believe in yourself.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase crois en toi.Tatoeba #1132841 by Scott, translation #1125625 by Scott
- Lors de cette réunion, je vous exhorte à croire en vous-même et en vos compétences. Nous avons confiance en votre capacité à réussir.During this meeting, I urge you to believe in yourself and in your skills. We have confidence in your ability to succeed.
- Tu dois croire en toi, même si les autres doutent de tes capacités. Fais-leur voir ce dont tu es capable!You have to believe in yourself, even if others doubt your abilities. Show them what you're capable of!
- Tu vas réussir, crois en toi.You are going to succeed, believe in yourself.
- N'oublie pas, crois en toi.Don't forget, believe in yourself.
Example conversation
Nathan is nervous before a job interview and Emma is encouraging him.
- EmmaTu es très capable, Nathan.You are very capable, Nathan.
- NathanJe ne sais pas si je peux le faire.I don't know if I can do it.
- EmmaS'il te plaît, crois en toi !Please, believe in yourself!
- NathanTu as raison, merci Emma.You are right, thank you Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, toi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
