자신을 믿어
jasineul mideo
To say "believe in yourself" in Korean, use 자신을 믿어 (jasineul mideo).
This phrase is used to encourage someone to have confidence in their own abilities or judgment.
What does it mean word for word?
자신 means "oneself" or "self". 을 is an object marker that attaches to 자신 to indicate it is the object of the verb.
Which one should you use?
자신을 믿어 is the standard informal version. 니 자신을 믿어 is an informal expression that uses the pronoun 니. 자신을 믿으세요 is a polite and respectful version. 자신을 믿어라 is a strong, authoritative imperative often used in writing, speeches or by elders to younger people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
자신을 믿어 and 니 자신을 믿어 are informal and should be used with friends or people younger than you. 자신을 믿으세요 is a polite form. 자신을 믿어라 is a formal/imperative form.
How do you pronounce it?
jasineul mideo
Did you know?
- The word 자신 is composed of two Hanja characters meaning 'self' and 'body'. This reflects an East Asian philosophical view where the 'self' is inextricably linked to the physical presence.
- Korean culture often emphasizes 'social' confidence over 'individual' confidence, so saying 'believe in yourself' can sometimes sound more individualistic than traditional Korean values.
- Using the polite form 자신을 믿으세요 toward a close friend or a younger sibling would sound sarcastic or strangely distant because of the high level of formality.
Examples in context
- 상사: "자신을 믿으세요. 당신은 이 일을 해낼 수 있습니다."Boss: "Believe in yourself. You can handle this job."
- 너 자신을 믿어.neo jasineul mideō.Believe in yourself.
- 결과에 상관없이 자신을 믿어.gyeolgwa-e sanggwaneopsi jasineul mideō.Believe in yourself regardless of the result.
- 너는 충분히 능력이 있으니 자신을 믿어.neoneun chungbunhi neungnyeogi isseuni jasineul mideō.You are capable enough, so believe in yourself.
Example conversation
Minjun is feeling nervous before a big job interview.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준아, 너무 긴장하지 마.Minjun-a, neomu ginjang-haji ma.Minjun, don't be too nervous.
- 민준 Min-jun잘 할 수 있을지 걱정돼.jal hal su isseulji geokjeong-dwae.I'm worried if I can do well.
- 지은 Ji-eun너는 할 수 있어. 자신을 믿어.neoneun hal su isseo. jasineul mideō.You can do it. Believe in yourself.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워, 지은아. 노력해 볼게.gomawo, Jieun-a. noryeokhae bolge.Thanks, Jieun. I will try my best.
