自信
zi4 xin4
The English phrase 'confident' is translated into Chinese as 自信 (zi4 xin4).
When you want to use it as an adjective to describe a person, such as 'a confident person', you will typically follow 自信 with the particle 的 to form an attributive phrase, creating 自信的人.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 自 meaning 'self' and 信 meaning 'belief' or 'trust', literally meaning 'self-belief'.
How do you pronounce it?
zi4 xin4
Did you know?
- The character 信 (xìn) is also the root for the word 'letter' or 'mail' in modern Chinese. It carries the ancient idea that a written message is a physical manifestation of one's truth and trust.
- A common idiom related to confidence is 信心十足, which means 'full of confidence'. The word 十足 literally means 'ten parts' or 'a full set', imagining confidence as a container filled to the brim.
- In Chinese, the opposite of 自信 is 自卑, which translates literally as 'self-low'. This word is used not just for lack of confidence but to describe a deep-seated inferiority complex.
Examples in context
- 他自信地回答了所有问题。He confidently answered all the questions.
- 我对自己的计划非常确信。I am very confident in my plan.
- 只要你的心态坚定，就能战胜一切困难。If you have a confident mindset, you can overcome any obstacles.
- 我对考试有自信。I am confident about the exam.
- 他说话非常有自信。Tā shuōhuà fēicháng yǒu zìxìn.He speaks with great confidence.
- 面对面试，她显得很自信。Miànduì miànshì, tā xiǎnde hěn zìxìn.She looks very confident during the interview.
- 我们需要对自己更有自信。Wǒmen xūyào duì zìjǐ gèng yǒu zìxìn.We need to be more confident in ourselves.
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are discussing a job interview.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你对明天的面试有信心吗？Jiāyí, nǐ duì míngtiān de miànshì yǒu xìnxīn ma?Jiayi, are you confident about tomorrow's interview?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我觉得自己准备得很充分，很自信。Wǒ juéde zìjǐ zhǔnbèi de hěn chōngfèn, hěn zìxìn.I feel well-prepared and very confident.
- 伟 Wei太好了，保持这种自信的态度。Tài hǎole, bǎochí zhè zhǒng zìxìn de tàidu.That's great, keep up that confident attitude.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你的鼓励，伟。Xièxiè nǐ de gǔlì, Wěi.Thanks for your encouragement, Wei.
