confiar
/konˈfjaɾ/
To rely in Spanish is confiar.
Confiar means to rest with confidence. It is often used for emotional or interpersonal trust.
Meaning: rest with confidence (verb)
Which one should you use?
While confiar means to rely or trust, it is often used for emotional or interpersonal trust, whereas depender de is used for functional or physical reliance (e.g., 'it depends on the weather').
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb confiar must be followed by the preposition en when expressing reliance on someone or something. The first-person singular present indicative form of confiar is confío.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈfjaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the preposition de (confiar de) instead of the required en (confiar en).
Did you know?
- While confiar means to rely or trust, the Spanish word confianza is used to describe the rapport or 'chemistry' between two people.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone confío en ti can be a powerful emotional commitment, often carrying more weight than the English 'I trust you'.
- Spanish uses confiar for both the act of trusting a person and the act of entrusting a secret or a task to someone.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo confiar en ti?Can I rely on you?This sentence is useful for asking if you can rely on someone using confiar.Tatoeba #1513906 by marcelostockle, translation #1513132 by CK
- Se puede confiar en él.You can rely on him.This sentence is useful for stating that one can rely on him using confiar.Tatoeba #1198508 by cueyayotl, translation #9905 by CK
- En él se puede confiar.You can rely upon him.This sentence is useful for showing an alternative word order when saying one can rely upon him using confiar.Tatoeba #1749577 by marcelostockle, translation #307906 by CH
- Confío en que cumplirás con las expectativas del proyecto.I rely on you to meet the project's expectations.
- Dependemos de tu experiencia para el éxito del negocio.We rely on your expertise for the success of the business.
- Cuento contigo para resolver esta situación de manera adecuada.I rely on you to handle this situation appropriately.
- Siempre puedo confiar en ti para apoyarme.I can always rely on you for support.
- Dependo de ti para que esto funcione.I rely on you to make this work.
- Confío en tu capacidad para llevar a cabo este proyecto.I rely on your ability to carry out this project.
- Me fío de ti para que hagas el trabajo correctamente.I rely on you to do the job correctly.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is encouraging Elena about a new job opportunity.
- Javier¿Tienes miedo de empezar el nuevo trabajo?Are you afraid of starting the new job?
- ElenaUn poco, no sé si puedo confiar en mis habilidades.A little, I don't know if I can trust my skills.
- JavierDebes confiar en ti misma, Elena.You must trust yourself, Elena.
- ElenaTienes razón, gracias por el apoyo.You are right, thanks for the support.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry confiar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
