自信
jishin[d͡ʑiɕĩɴ]
The English word confidence can be translated into Japanese as 自信 (jishin). Wiktionary also lists 確信 (kakushin).
Meaning: self-assurance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 自信 | jishin | [d͡ʑiɕĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 確信 | kakushin | [ka̠kɯ̟ɕĩɴ] (narrow) |
自信 is used to describe self-assurance or confidence in one's own abilities.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 自信 is composed of 自 (self) and 信 (trust/belief).
Which one should you use?
While 自信 refers to self-assurance or confidence in one's abilities, 確信 refers to a strong conviction or being certain about a fact or situation.
How do you pronounce it?
jishin
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use 確信 when they mean self-assurance. Use 自信 for personal confidence and 確信 for being certain of a truth.
Did you know?
- The word 自信 is a homophone for 地震, which means 'earthquake'. Because earthquakes are frequent in Japan, the context of a sentence is crucial to avoid confusing 'confidence' with a natural disaster.
- In many Japanese contexts, displaying too much 自信 (jishin) can actually be viewed negatively as 'unseemly pride'. Social harmony often favors a more modest presentation than the English concept of self-assurance.
- The kanji 自 (ji) used in 自信 is also the character used for 'automatic' in modern Japanese. This creates a subconscious linguistic link between 'self' and things that act by themselves.
Examples in context
- 自信があるんだ。I have confidence.Tatoeba #11337811 by bunbuku, translation #5859009 by CK
- 彼、自信があるね。He has a lot of confidence.Tatoeba #121147 by small_snow, translation #282860 by CH
- もっと自信持ちなよ。Have more confidence in yourself.Tatoeba #3188405 by tommy_san, translation #3195498 by Tappity
- 彼は自分の才能に自信を持っているHe has confidence in his own abilities.
- 私は彼女の成功を確信していますI am confident in her success.
- 彼は自負心に満ちていたHe was full of self-confidence.
- 彼は自信を持って新しいプロジェクトに取り組んでいる。He is tackling the new project with confidence.
- 私の自信が試される瞬間だった。It was a moment where my confidence was tested.
- 彼女の自信に感化された。I was inspired by her confidence.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is encouraging Hiroto before his big presentation.
- 結衣 Yui大翔、緊張してる？Hiroto, kinchou shiteru?Hiroto, are you nervous?
- 大翔 Hiroto少し。自信が持てなくて。Sukoshi. Jishin ga motenakute.A little. I lack confidence.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫、自信を持って！Daijoubu, jishin o motte!It's okay, have confidence!
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、頑張るよ。Arigatou, ganbaru yo.Thanks, I'll do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confidence” translations and entries 自信, 確信, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
