certeza
/θeɾˈteθa/feminine
The English phrase confidence can be translated into Spanish as certeza, certeza propia or autoconfianza.
Meaning: self-assurance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| certeza | /θeɾˈteθa/ /seɾˈtesa/ |
feminine |
| certeza propia | /θeɾteθa pɾopja/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /seɾtesa pɾopja/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| autoconfianza | /autokonˈfjanθa/ /autokonˈfjansa/ |
feminine |
While all these terms relate to confidence, they are used in different contexts. Autoconfianza refers specifically to the psychological trait of self-assurance. Certeza is used to describe the state of being certain about a fact or having certainty.
What does it mean word for word?
The word autoconfianza is composed of the prefix auto- (self) and confianza (confidence/trust).
Which one should you use?
Use autoconfianza when you are talking about the psychological trait of self-assurance. Use certeza when you are referring to the certainty of a fact or the state of being certain.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms provided, certeza, certeza propia and autoconfianza, are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeɾˈteθa/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone tengo confianza contigo means they feel comfortable and relaxed in your presence, not necessarily that they trust your abilities.
- The suffix in certeza follows a long linguistic tradition where the Latin suffix '-itia' evolved into the Spanish '-eza' to transform adjectives into abstract nouns.
- Unlike in English where 'confidence' can mean a secret told in trust, Spanish uses confidencia for a secret and confianza for the feeling of trust.
Examples in context
- La autoconfianza de Tom fue destruida cuando su jefe le regañó delante de todos sus colegas.Tom's self-confidence was shattered after his boss dressed him down in front of his workmates.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use autoconfianza in a context regarding self-confidence.Tatoeba #10729046 by DJ_Saidez, translation #4224178 by patgfisher
- Tengo confianza en mi trabajoI have confidence in my work
- Transmite seguridad con tu lenguaje corporalConvey confidence through your body language
- Habló con convicción durante su discursoHe spoke with confidence during his speech
- Trabaja en tu autoestima para ganar confianzaWork on your self-esteem to gain confidence
- Muestra firmeza en tus decisionesShow confidence in your decisions
- Habla con soltura ante el públicoSpeak with confidence in front of the audience
- Confianza, soltura y firmeza son características importantes para sobresalir en el trabajoConfidence, fluency, and firmness are important qualities to excel in the workplace
- Tener confianza en uno mismo es fundamental para alcanzar el éxito.Having confidence in oneself is essential for achieving success.
- Muestra seguridad durante la presentación para ganarte a la audiencia.Show confidence during the presentation to win over the audience.
- Creo en ti. Tienes la convicción necesaria para lograrlo.I believe in you. You have the necessary conviction to achieve it.
- Me siento orgulloso de mi autoestima y eso me da confianza en mí mismo.I'm proud of my self-esteem, and that gives me confidence in myself.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing a job interview.
- MaríaMaría, ¿estás nerviosa por la entrevista?María, are you nervous about the interview?
- AlejandroUn poco, pero tengo certeza de mis capacidades.A bit, but I have confidence in my abilities.
- MaríaEso es lo más importante para el jefe.That is the most important thing for the boss.
- AlejandroGracias, Alejandro, me siento mucho mejor ahora.Thanks, Alejandro, I feel much better now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confidence” translations and entries certeza, autoconfianza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autoconfianza, certeza, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
