自分を信じて
jibun o shinjite
The English phrase "believe in yourself" is translated into Japanese as 自分を信じて (jibun o shinjite).
This phrase is used to encourage someone to have confidence in their own abilities or judgment.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 自分 (jibun) means "oneself".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 自分を信じて is informal. For a more formal way to say "Please believe in yourself," you can use 自信を持ってください or 自己を信じてください. The form 自分を信じろ is also informal but is much more forceful, often used in high-intensity situations like sports or anime. To express the idea "Have confidence in yourself" informally, you can use 自分に自信を持って.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding ください to the end of a phrase, such as in 自分を信じてください, turns the expression into a polite request rather than a casual command or encouragement.
How do you pronounce it?
jibun o shinjite
Did you know?
- The word 自信 (jishin) in the phrase 自信を持って uses the same kanji as the word for 'earthquake', though they are pronounced differently.
- While 自分を信じて is common, using the word 己 (onore) instead of 自分 (jibun) would make the phrase sound extremely archaic or like something a samurai or a villain in a video game would say.
- While 自分 (jibun) means 'oneself', it was originally used by samurai as a humble way to refer to themselves during the Edo period.
Examples in context
- 自分を信じて。Believe in yourself.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 自分を信じて.Tatoeba #1140379 by mookeee, translation #1125625 by Scott
- 自信を持って、大丈夫だよ。Believe in yourself, you'll be fine.
- 自分を信じて、最後まで走り抜けて。Jibun o shinjite, saigo made hashirinukete.Believe in yourself and run until the end.
- 今は自分を信じて、挑戦すべきだよ。Ima wa jibun o shinjite, chousen subeki da yo.You should believe in yourself and take the challenge now.
Example conversation
A girl is feeling nervous before a big piano recital.
- 陽葵 Himari緊張して、手が震えちゃう。Kinchou shite, te ga furuechau.I'm nervous, and my hands are shaking.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫、自分を信じて。Daijoubu, jibun o shinjite.It's okay, believe in yourself.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、ありがとう。Hiroto-kun, arigatou.Thank you, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵なら、きっとできるよ。Himari nara, kitto dekiru yo.You can do it, Himari.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
