Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing self-confidence involves a range of words and phrases that describe belief in one's own abilities, self-assurance, and pride. The most common term is 自信 (jishin), but depending on the nuance—such as overconfidence, regained confidence, or a lack of confidence—different expressions are used. This guide covers natural ways to talk about self-confidence in various contexts.
Expressing belief in one's own abilities or self-assurance in a neutral or positive sense.
The most common and versatile word for self-confidence. Can be used in phrases like 自信がある (to have confidence) or 自信を持つ (to have confidence).
彼は自分の能力に自信がある。
He has confidence in his own abilities.
もっと自信を持って話してください。
Please speak with more confidence.
Means 'full of confidence' or 'brimming with confidence'. Often used to describe someone's demeanor.
彼女は自信満々でプレゼンを始めた。
She started the presentation full of confidence.
Refers to conviction or firm belief, often about a fact or outcome rather than self-assurance. More about certainty than personal confidence.
彼は成功すると確信している。
He is convinced that he will succeed.
Describing a state of having little or no self-confidence.
The standard way to say 'I lack confidence' or 'I'm not confident'. Can be used with ～に to specify the area.
人前で話すことに自信がない。
I lack confidence in speaking in front of people.
Means 'loss of self-confidence'. A more formal or psychological term.
失敗続きで自信喪失に陥った。
After a series of failures, I fell into a loss of self-confidence.
Expressing excessive self-confidence that may be seen as arrogance or cockiness.
Means 'overconfidence' or 'excessive trust' in one's abilities. Often used as a warning.
自分の力を過信してはいけない。
Don't overestimate your own abilities.
Refers to conceit or vanity. Implies an inflated self-image.
Literally 'excess of confidence'. Similar to 過信 but more directly about self-confidence.
Expressing the process of gaining or recovering self-confidence.
Means 'to regain confidence'. Common after a setback.
彼は試合に勝って自信を取り戻した。
He regained his confidence by winning the match.
Means 'to build up confidence' or 'to gain confidence'.
練習を重ねて自信をつけた。
I built up my confidence through repeated practice.
Expressing a sense of one's own value or self-respect, which is related to but distinct from self-confidence.
Means 'self-esteem' or 'pride'. Often used in contexts of maintaining dignity.
彼の言葉が私の自尊心を傷つけた。
His words hurt my self-esteem.
自信 (jishin) is about self-confidence in one's abilities or qualities. 確信 (kakushin) is about conviction or certainty regarding a fact or outcome. Use 自信 for personal confidence and 確信 for being sure about something external.
私は自分の日本語に自信がある。
I am confident in my Japanese.
彼が来ると確信している。
I am certain that he will come.
The English compound 'self-confidence' is not directly translated as a single kanji compound other than 自信. Avoid creating phrases like 自己信頼 (jiko shinrai) which are not natural. Stick to 自信 or related expressions.
彼のうぬぼれには呆れるよ。
I'm disgusted by his conceit.
自信過剰にならないように気をつけて。
Be careful not to become overconfident.
A modern term for 'sense of self-affirmation' or 'self-esteem', often used in psychology and self-help.
自己肯定感を高める方法を学ぶ。
Learn ways to boost self-esteem.