Translation and Meaning of: 自信 - jishin

The Japanese word 自信 [じしん] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, carrying important nuances in everyday life and the Japanese mindset. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in different contexts, and why it is so relevant to understand values such as self-confidence and determination in Japan.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 自信, we will see its writing in kanji, practical usage examples, and even curiosities about how the Japanese perceive this concept. If you've ever wondered how to express "self-confidence" in Japanese naturally, this guide will help you master the term and apply it correctly.

The meaning and the kanjis of 自信

The word 自信 is composed of two kanji: 自 (ji), which means "oneself," and 信 (shin), which represents "confidence" or "belief." Together, they form the concept of "self-confidence" or "confidence in oneself." Unlike Portuguese, where we can use longer expressions, Japanese condenses this idea into a single direct term.

It is worth noting that 自信 does not refer only to a fleeting confidence but to a deeper conviction in one's own abilities. It is common to hear phrases like 自信がある (jishin ga aru – "to have confidence") or 自信を持って (jishin o motte – "with confidence") in situations that require personal assurance, such as presentations or professional challenges.

How 自信 is used in everyday Japanese life

In Japan, demonstrating 自信 is seen as an important quality, especially in professional and academic contexts. However, there is a cultural balance: the Japanese tend to value humility, so expressing excessive self-confidence can be frowned upon. Phrases like 少し自信があります (sukoshi jishin ga arimasu – "I have a little confidence") show this care in not wanting to appear arrogant.

An interesting example is the use of 自信 in job interviews. While in the West it is common to openly discuss achievements, in Japan many candidates use more moderate expressions, such as 頑張れば自信があります (ganbareba jishin ga arimasu – "if I put in effort, I have confidence"). This approach reflects cultural values of effort and continuous improvement.

Tips for memorizing and using 自信 correctly

An effective way to fix 自信 in memory is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. The character 自 resembles a nose, which is on one's "own" face, while 信 can be linked to the idea of "word" (言) and "person" (人), suggesting "believing what someone says." This visual breakdown helps to memorize the term.

To practice, try to create simple sentences like 日本語に自信がつきました (nihongo ni jishin ga tsukimashita – "I gained confidence in Japanese"). Observing how 自信 appears in animes, dramas, or Japanese articles is also useful, as the term is quite common in dialogues about personal growth and overcoming challenges.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 自負 (jifu) - Pride, self-esteem; sense of self-worth.
• 自信心 (jishinshin) - Feeling of self-confidence.
• 確信 (kakushin) - Certainty, conviction; solid belief in something.
• 信念 (shinnen) - Belief, faith; conviction that is held firmly.
• 信頼 (shinrai) - Trust, dependence; believing in someone's honesty or competence.
• 自信満々 (jishin manman) - Completely confident; to have complete trust in oneself.

自信

Romaji: jishin
Kana: じしん
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: self confidence

Meaning in English: self-confidence

Definition: Believe in your own skills and worth.

Example Sentences - (自信) jishin

See below some example sentences:

モデルは美しさと自信を与えてくれる。

Moderu wa utsukushisa to jishin o ataete kureru

Models bring beauty and confidence.

The model offers beauty and confidence.

• モデル - model
• は - Topic particle
• 美しさ - beauty
• と - connecting particle
• 自信 - Confidence
• を - direct object particle
• 与えてくれる - give (to me)

彼女は常に自信を帯びている。

Kanojo wa tsuneni jishin o obite iru

She always carries with her confidence.

She is always confident.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 常に (tsuneni) - always
• 自信 (jishin) - Confidence
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 帯びている (ota bite iru) - is loading/possessing

私は自信を持ってこの試験に臨みます。

Watashi wa jishin o motte kono shiken ni nozomimasu

I will face this exam with confidence.

I will have confidence in this exam.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun, means "I"
• は (wa) - Topic particle, indicates the subject of the sentence
• 自信 (jishin) - noun, means "trust"
• を (wo) - direct object particle, indicates the object of the action
• 持って (motte) - verb, means "to have/possess"
• この (kono) - demonstrative adjective, meaning "this"
• 試験 (shiken) - noun, means "exam/test"
• に (ni) - destination particle, indicates the place/goal of the action
• 臨みます (nozomimasu) - verb, means "to face/confront"