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自信 — meaning in English: Confidence

jishin · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

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hone
温度
ondo
ジャーナリスト
jānarisuto
自信
jishin
サポート
sapooto
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 自信 (jishin) in contexts where they discuss their abilities or feelings about certain tasks. For instance, one might say, '私は英語のスピーチに自信があります' (I am confident in my English speech) during a conversation about public speaking skills or job interviews.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 自信 is 確信 (kakushin), which means 'conviction' or 'firm belief.' While 自信 relates more to personal confidence in skills, 確信 is often used when one has a strong belief about facts or situations, such as having faith in a project's outcome.
Culture
The term 自信 (jishin) is derived from the kanji 自 (self) and 信 (trust), meaning 'to trust oneself.' This reflects a cultural emphasis in Japan on self-awareness and humility. Historically, Japanese society has valued collective harmony, so expressing confidence can be seen as a balancing act between self-assurance and modesty.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 自信 in a sentence?
You can use 自信 in a sentence by saying something like '私は自信を持ってそれを行います' (I will do it with confidence). This demonstrates your assurance in your capability to complete a task.
Q.What are some common phrases with 自信?
Common phrases include '自信がある' (to have confidence) and '自信を持つ' (to be confident). These phrases are widely used in various contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions.
Q.Are there any mistakes to avoid when using 自信?
One common mistake is using 自信 when referring to confidence in others' abilities. Instead, use it only for personal confidence. To express confidence in someone else, you might say '彼に自信を持っています' (I have confidence in him) but using the term 自信 is less common in this context.
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