자신
jasin[t͡ɕa̠ɕʰin]
The English phrase 'confidence' can be translated into Korean as 자신 (jasin) or 확신.
Meaning: self-assurance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 자신 | jasin | [t͡ɕa̠ɕʰin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 확신 | hwaksin | [ɸwa̠kɕ͈in] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the word you choose depends on the specific type of confidence you are describing. 자신 is used to describe the psychological state of self-confidence or the concept of oneself. If you are expressing a sense of conviction or being certain about a specific fact or truth, use 확신. Other related terms include 자신감 for confidence, 확실함 for assurance and 자존감 for self-esteem.
Which one should you use?
The two forms differ based on the degree of belief or the psychological state. Use 자신 when referring to self-confidence or the concept of oneself. Use 확신 when you want to express conviction or certainty regarding a particular piece of information or a truth.
How do you pronounce it?
jasin
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific term 근자감 which describes 'groundless confidence' or confidence that comes from nowhere.
- The character for 'trust' found in the word for self-confidence, 信 (sin), is also the same character used in the word for 'letter' or 'message'.
- While 확신 means certainty, using it too strongly in a social setting can sometimes come across as arrogant rather than confident.
Examples in context
- 저는 그 결정에 대해 확신을 가지고 있습니다.I have confidence in that decision.
- 나는 자신 있어.I'm confident.
- 그는 자신감이 넘쳐요.geuneun jasingami neomchyeoyo.He is full of confidence.
- 자신을 믿는 것이 중요해요.jasingeul mitneun geosi jungyohaeyo.It is important to believe in oneself.
- 그녀는 자신감이 부족해요.geunyeoneun jasingami bujokhaeyo.She lacks confidence.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are talking about a job interview.
- 민준 Min-jun면접 잘 볼 수 있을까요?myeonjeop jal bol su isseulggayo?Do you think I can do well in the interview?
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨는 충분히 잘할 수 있어요.Minjun ssineun chungbunhi jalhal su isseoyo.Minjun, you are more than capable of doing well.
- 민준 Min-jun사실 아직 자신이 없어요.sasil ajik jasini eopseoyo.Actually, I still lack confidence.
- 서연 Seo-yeon자신을 믿으세요. 다 잘 될 거예요.jasineul mideuseyo. da jal doel geoyeyo.Believe in yourself. Everything will go well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confidence” translations and entries 자신, 확신, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 자신, 확신, CC BY-SA 4.0.
