Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| assurance | /a.sy.ʁɑ̃s/ | |
| confiance en soi | /kɔ̃.fjɑ̃s ɑ̃ swa/ | feminine |
The choice of words depends on whether you are referring to an internal feeling of belief in one's abilities or an outward display of poise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase confiance en soi is built from confiance (trust/confidence), en (in) and soi (oneself), literally meaning "confidence in oneself".
Which one should you use?
While both terms relate to confidence, assurance often refers to a person's outward poise, presence or the way they carry themselves. In contrast, confiance en soi is the standard way to express the internal feeling of self-confidence or self-trust.
How does it change in a sentence?
confiance en soi is a feminine noun phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of assurance is /a.sy.ʁɑ̃s/. It has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using confiance alone to mean self-confidence. In French, confiance usually requires a target, such as confiance en soi for self-confidence or confiance en lui for confidence in him.
Did you know?
- The word assurance can also mean 'insurance' in French, such as life or car insurance.
- While confiance means trust, it was historically altered in French to mirror the word fiance, which refers to a betrothal or engagement.
- In French legal or formal contexts, assurance can refer to a guarantee or a formal pledge, moving beyond simple self-confidence.
Examples in context
- Construis ta confiance en soi.Build your confidence.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of confiance en soi.Tatoeba #11963886 by Amastan, translation #10856281 by Amastan
- J'aimerais avoir ton assurance.I wish I had your confidence.This sentence shows how to use assurance to express a wish for someone's poise.Tatoeba #12192001 by lbdx, translation #11498246 by CK
- Il avait une assurance naturelle.He had a natural confidence.This sentence demonstrates the use of assurance to describe a person's natural presence.Tatoeba #995587 by sacredceltic, translation #11863406 by Lebensfreude
- La confiance en soi est essentielle pour réussir dans la vie.Self-confidence is essential for success in life.
- Il a parlé avec assurance devant le public.He spoke with confidence in front of the audience.
- J'ai foi en l'avenir de notre entreprise.I have confidence in the future of our company.
- Avec un peu de confiance en soi, on peut réaliser de grandes choses.With a little self-confidence, one can achieve great things.
- Malgré les difficultés, elle a toujours la pêche et la confiance en elle.Despite the difficulties, she always has energy and confidence in herself.
- Ne t'inquiète pas, il est très sûr de lui, il gère la situation.Don't worry, he's very confident, he can handle the situation.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a job interview.
- GabrielTu es prête pour ton entretien demain ?Are you ready for your interview tomorrow?
- LéaOui, je sens que j'ai l'assurance nécessaire.Yes, I feel that I have the necessary confidence.
- GabrielC'est super, ton assurance impressionnera le patron.That's great, your confidence will impress the boss.
- LéaMerci Gabriel, je me sens prête !Thanks Gabriel, I feel ready!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confidence” translations and entries assurance, confiance en soi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assurance, confiance, en, soi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
