自信がある
jishin ga aru
The English word 'confident' is translated into Japanese as 自信がある (jishin ga aru).
Use 自信がある to describe being very sure of or positive about something.
Meaning: being very sure of or positive about something (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 自信 (jishin) literally means 'self-confidence'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, you do not 'have' confidence as an object (using を). Instead, you use the particle が to indicate that confidence 'exists' (using がある).
How do you pronounce it?
jishin ga aru
Did you know?
- The word 自信 (jishin) is a homophone for the word 地震 (jishin), which means 'earthquake'. While they are written with different characters, they sound identical in conversation.
- The character 自 in 自信 means 'self' and is also used in the word 自分 (jibun). This character is based on an ancient pictograph of a nose, reflecting the idea that the nose represents the self.
- While 自信がある expresses confidence, the phrase 自信がない (lacking confidence) is frequently used as a polite way to deflect praise and show modesty in Japanese society.
Examples in context
- 私たちはかなり自信がある。We're pretty confident.Tatoeba #10917234 by SomeHungryBois, translation #5448880 by CK
- トムには勝つ自信があるんだ。Tom is confident he'll win.Tatoeba #8978995 by bunbuku, translation #6531443 by CK
- 彼は自信満々にプレゼンテーションを行った。He confidently delivered the presentation.
- 彼女の自信に満ちた笑顔は素晴らしかった。Her confident smile was wonderful.
- 明日の試合は自信があるよ。I'm confident about tomorrow's game.
- 彼は自分の実力に自信がある。Kare wa jibun no jitsuryoku ni jishin ga aru.He is confident in his own ability.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a job interview.
- 美咲 Misaki明日の面接、うまくいくかな？Ashita no mensetsu, umaku iku kana?I wonder if the interview tomorrow will go well?
- 陽太 Yota準備は万全だし、自信があるでしょ？Junbi wa banzen dashi, jishin ga aru desho?You are fully prepared, so you are confident, right?
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね、頑張るよ！Sou dane, ganbaru yo!That's true, I'll do my best!
- 陽太 Yota応援しているよ。Ouen shite iru yo.I'm rooting for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
