Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| fiducioso | /fi.duˈt͡ʃo.zo/ |
| sicuro | /siˈku.ro/ |
Both words describe being very sure of or positive about something. For an informal way to suggest someone is on top of things and feeling self-assured, you can use the expression Sulla cresta dell'onda, which means 'riding the wave'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word fiducioso is derived from fiducia (trust/confidence) and literally means 'full of trust'.
Which one should you use?
While both words can mean 'confident', sicuro is more commonly used to express being certain or sure about a fact or oneself. In contrast, fiducioso implies having hope or trust in a positive outcome, carrying a nuance of being optimistic or having faith that something will go well, similar to 'hopeful'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both adjectives must agree in gender and number with the subject. sicuro changes to sicura for feminine subjects and to sicuri for a group of men or a mixed-gender group. Similarly, fiducioso changes to fiduciosa for feminine subjects and to fiduciosi for a group of men or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of fiducioso is /fi.duˈtʃo.zo/. It has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the concept of 'confidence' used in fiducioso is tied to fiducia. This is the same root used in the English word 'fiduciary', referring to a relationship of trust.
- Depending on the context, using sicuro can be a double-edged sword. In some social settings, stating you are too sicuro can be interpreted as being stubborn rather than confident.
- To say someone is 'overconfident' or 'arrogant', Italians often use the word presuntuoso rather than adding an intensifier to sicuro.
Examples in context
- Sii sicuro di te.Be confident.This sentence is useful for encouraging someone to be confident using sicuro.Tatoeba #5610444 by Guybrush88, translation #2111966 by CK
- Sono sicuro di me.I'm confident.This sentence is useful for stating one's own confidence using sicuro.Tatoeba #5282899 by Guybrush88, translation #2111745 by CK
- Tom è sicuro, vero?Tom is confident, isn't he?This sentence is useful for asking a question about someone's confidence using sicuro.Tatoeba #5610046 by Guybrush88, translation #3417280 by CK
- Il suo atteggiamento è sempre autorevole e sicuro.His/her attitude is always authoritative and confident.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are discussing an upcoming job interview.
- GiuliaSei pronto per il colloquio, Matteo?Are you ready for the interview, Matteo?
- MatteoSì, sono molto fiducioso di farcela.Yes, I am very confident I can do it.
- GiuliaBravo, sei molto preparato.Good, you are very well prepared.
- MatteoGrazie, spero davvero che vada bene.Thanks, I really hope it goes well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “confident” translations and entries fiducioso, sicuro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
