insécurité
The French word for insecurity is insécurité.
insécurité refers to a lack of confidence in oneself. However, note that it is also the standard term used to describe a lack of physical safety or security, such as in the context of crime or instability.
Meaning: lack of confidence in oneself (noun)
Which one should you use?
While insécurité covers both a lack of self-confidence and a lack of physical safety, you can use the phrase manque de confiance en soi to specifically describe a psychological lack of self-confidence without the connotation of physical danger.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specifically describe a psychological lack of self-confidence without the connotation of physical danger, French speakers often use the phrase manque de confiance en soi.
Did you know?
- While insécurité covers lack of confidence, the term complexes is more commonly used in casual French to describe specific psychological insecurities about one's appearance or status.
- The word sécurité shares the same root as the English 'security', but in French, the concept of 'being secure' in one's identity is more often expressed through the word assurance.
- In France, insécurité is often used in political discourse to describe a feeling of fear regarding crime, even when official crime statistics are actually falling.
Examples in context
- Ton insécurité vient de ta religion.Your insecurity comes from your religion.This sentence shows how insécurité can be linked to a source like religion.Tatoeba #4913274 by nonong, translation #4913264 by nonong
- Ça vient d'un sentiment d'insécurité.It stems from a sense of insecurity.This sentence demonstrates how to use insécurité to describe a sense or feeling.Tatoeba #13891714 by Nuel, translation #13891683 by Nuel
- L'adolescence est souvent une période d'insécurité.Adolescence is often a period of insecurity.This sentence shows insécurité being used to describe a period of life.Tatoeba #873731 by alexmarcelo, translation #873733 by CM
- Elle a toujours eu un sentiment d'insécurité dans les lieux bondés.She has always had a feeling of insecurity in crowded places.
- Il doit surmonter son manque de confiance en soi pour réussir.He needs to overcome his lack of self-confidence to succeed.
- Son inquiétude grandit à l'idée de parler en public.Her insecurity grows at the thought of speaking in public.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing their feelings before a job interview.
- ManonJe me sens nerveuse à cause de mon insécurité.I feel nervous because of my insecurity.
- GabrielTu es très compétente, Manon.You are very competent, Manon.
- ManonMerci, mais c'est difficile à gérer.Thank you, but it is difficult to manage.
- GabrielC'est normal, on a tous des doutes.It's normal, we all have doubts.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
