信心
xìnxīn
In Chinese, confidence is expressed as 信心 (xìnxīn) or 自信.
Meaning: self-assurance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 信心 | xìnxīn |
| 自信 | zìxìn |
To say that one "has confidence" in something, you should use the verb 有 (yǒu) with 信心 (yǒu xìnxīn). If you want to describe a lack of self-confidence, the standard way to express this is 缺乏自信 (quēfá zìxìn).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 信心 is composed of 信 (to believe or trust) and 心 (heart or mind). The word 自信 is composed of 自 (self) and 信 (to believe or trust).
Which one should you use?
While both relate to confidence, 信心 is often used for confidence or faith in an external thing, such as a plan or another person. In contrast, 自信 specifically refers to self-confidence.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English noun "confidence", the word 自信 can function as an adjective meaning "to be self-confident" within a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
xìnxīn
Did you know?
- The character 信 (xìn) can be used alone as a noun meaning 'a letter' or 'mail'. This links the idea of confidence and trust to the physical delivery of a written message.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of 自信 is often balanced with 谦虚, meaning 'modesty'. While confidence is valued, displaying it too openly can be seen as a lack of modesty, which is a highly prized social virtue.
- The character 信 (xìn) in both words for confidence literally contains the radical for 'person' (人) and 'speech' (言). It suggests that true confidence or trust is rooted in a person's ability to keep their word.
Examples in context
- 你必须得自信。You have to have confidence.This sentence uses 自信 to show the necessity of having confidence.Tatoeba #5094939 by mirrorvan, translation #5094811 by CK
- 他对自己缺乏自信。He lacks self-confidence.This sentence uses 自信 to describe a lack of self-confidence.Tatoeba #9989888 by GlossaMatik, translation #10551422 by sundown
- 哪来那么大的自信啊？Where does all that confidence come from?This sentence uses 自信 to question the source of someone's confidence.Tatoeba #5102417 by mirrorvan, translation #4717522 by xorgy
- 他在工作中展现出高度的自信。He shows a high level of confidence at work.
- 我对我的能力非常有自信。I have great confidence in my abilities.
- 他在面试时有很大的底气。He had a lot of confidence during the job interview.
- 她走路的姿态自带光芒，散发出自信和魅力。Her posture while walking radiates charisma, conveying both confidence and charm.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A coach is encouraging a male athlete before a race.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你要对自己有信心。Nǐ yào duì zìjǐ yǒu xìnxīn.You need to have confidence in yourself.
- 伟 Wei我会努力的。Wǒ huì nǔlì de.I will try my best.
- 佳怡 Jiayi别紧张，我很有信心。Bié jǐnzhāng, wǒ hěn yǒu xìnxīn.Don't be nervous, I have great confidence.
- 伟 Wei谢谢你的鼓励。Xièxiè nǐ de gǔlì.Thank you for your encouragement.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confidence” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
