Translation and Meaning of: 自信 - jishin

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 自信 (jishin) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: jishin

Kana: じしん

Type: Noun

L: jlpt-n1

自信

Translation / Meaning: self confidence

Meaning in English: self-confidence

Definition: Believe in your own skills and worth.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (自信) jishin

The word 「自信」 (jishin) is composed of two kanji characters: 「自」 and 「信」。 The kanji 「自」 means "own" or "oneself," while 「信」 refers to "trust," "belief," or "faith." When combined, these characters form the concept of "self-confidence" or "trust in oneself." This combination conveys the idea of believing in one’s own abilities and judgment, being a quality highly valued in various cultures around the world.

In the Japanese language, 「自信」 (jishin) is often used in both personal and professional contexts to describe the feeling of internal security in the face of specific challenges or tasks. For example, it can refer to a student who is confident in their abilities to pass an exam, or a professional who is secure in their skills during a negotiation. Self-confidence is seen as an important virtue, providing stability and motivation, but an excess of it can be interpreted as arrogance.

The origin of the adoption of kanji to express self-confidence in Japan is linked to the cultural and linguistic influence of China, from where many characters were imported and adapted for Japanese over the centuries. This process of importing characters, called kanji, began around the 5th and 6th centuries, marking a period of profound transformation and enrichment in the Japanese language. As the writing system expanded, concepts like 「自信」 became part of everyday vocabulary, reflecting essential values of Japanese society.

The expression 「自信」 also has variations that can enrich the understanding of its application. For example, 「自信満々」 (jishin manman) is used to describe someone who is full of confidence, often employed when self-confidence is very pronounced. Moreover, building「自信」 is not always a linear process. It can be influenced by past experiences, external feedback, and introspection, being a personal journey of continuous growth and learning.

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.