自信を持つ
jishin o motsu
have confidence
Literally: self-confidence (自信) + [object marker] (を) + to hold/carry (持つ)
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to have or carry self-confidence' in your abilities.
- Uses the verb 'motsu' (to hold) rather than just 'to be'.
- Commonly used in pep talks, interviews, and personal goal setting.
Meaning
It means to believe in yourself or your abilities. It's like carrying a sense of self-assurance inside you wherever you go.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a nervous friend
もっと自分に自信を持って！
Have more confidence in yourself!
During a job interview
自分のプログラミングスキルに自信を持っています。
I have confidence in my programming skills.
Talking about a hobby
料理には自信を持っているんだ。
I'm actually pretty confident in my cooking.
Cultural Background
In Japan, expressing confidence is a delicate balance with the virtue of modesty (kenkyo). While 'jishin o motsu' is positive, it is often used more as an encouragement to others than a boast about oneself. The phrase reflects a modern shift toward individual empowerment in a traditionally group-oriented society.
The 'State' vs 'Action' Trick
Use 'jishin ga aru' for a general feeling, but use 'jishin o motsu' when you are telling someone to actively find that confidence.
Don't Overdo the 'I'
In Japanese, you don't need to say 'Watashi wa' every time. Just saying 'Jishin o motte!' is enough to mean 'You have confidence!'
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to have or carry self-confidence' in your abilities.
- Uses the verb 'motsu' (to hold) rather than just 'to be'.
- Commonly used in pep talks, interviews, and personal goal setting.
What It Means
自信を持つ is all about that inner spark of self-belief. In Japanese, the verb motsu means to hold or carry. So, you aren't just 'being' confident; you are actively 'holding' confidence. It suggests a sense of ownership over your own worth. It’s the feeling you get when you know you’ve practiced enough. It’s that quiet voice saying, "I can do this."
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the particle ni to show what you are confident in. For example, shigoto ni jishin o motsu means to have confidence in your work. You can use it in the present tense to describe a state. You can also use the imperative form motte to encourage someone. It’s a very versatile phrase that fits into many sentence structures. Just remember that it focuses on the internal feeling of assurance.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to talk about self-esteem or professional competence. It’s perfect for pep talks before a big presentation. You’ll hear it often in sports or academic settings. If a friend is nervous about a first date, tell them to have confidence. It’s also great for job interviews when describing your strengths. Even texting a friend who is doubting themselves is a perfect moment. It’s a warm, supportive phrase that builds people up.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for simple facts or things you definitely know. You wouldn't say you 'have confidence' that your name is Tanaka. Also, be careful in very humble settings in Japan. Sometimes, sounding *too* confident can come off as arrogant. If you are a beginner at something, saying you have 'full confidence' might raise eyebrows. It’s better to show confidence through actions rather than just announcing it. Don't use it for things outside your control, like the weather.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture deeply values kenkyo or modesty. Because of this, openly saying "I have confidence" can be a big statement. Traditionally, people might wait for others to praise them instead. However, in modern Japan, especially in business, self-assertion is becoming more common. There is a famous phrase konkyo no nai jishin which means "confidence without basis." It’s a popular idea that you should believe in yourself even before you have results. It’s a bit of a rebellious, positive mindset in a society that loves data.
Common Variations
The most common variation is jishin ga aru. While motsu (to hold) feels like a choice or a trait, aru (to exist) feels like a state. You might say jishin ga nai when you’re feeling down or unsure. Another one is jishin-manman, which means being absolutely overflowing with confidence. If you want to sound more formal, you might use jifu suru. But for daily life, jishin o motsu is your reliable, go-to expression.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and widely used. In professional settings, use the polite form `motte imasu`. When encouraging friends, the imperative `motte` or `motte ne` is most natural.
The 'State' vs 'Action' Trick
Use 'jishin ga aru' for a general feeling, but use 'jishin o motsu' when you are telling someone to actively find that confidence.
Don't Overdo the 'I'
In Japanese, you don't need to say 'Watashi wa' every time. Just saying 'Jishin o motte!' is enough to mean 'You have confidence!'
Groundless Confidence
The phrase 'Konkyo no nai jishin' is a popular cultural concept. It's the idea that believing in yourself for no reason is actually a superpower!
Examples
6もっと自分に自信を持って！
Have more confidence in yourself!
A common way to cheer someone up using the imperative form.
自分のプログラミングスキルに自信を持っています。
I have confidence in my programming skills.
Using the polite '-te imasu' form to show a continuous state of confidence.
料理には自信を持っているんだ。
I'm actually pretty confident in my cooking.
The 'da' at the end makes it sound more casual and masculine.
根拠のない自信だけは持っています！
The only thing I have is groundless confidence!
A funny way to admit you don't know what you're doing but feel good anyway.
あなたの才能に自信を持ってください。
Please have confidence in your talent.
A very formal and encouraging way to use the phrase.
明日の試合、自信を持って行こう！
Let's go into tomorrow's match with confidence!
Using 'ikou' (let's go) to create a sense of team spirit.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to say 'Have confidence in yourself.'
自分___自信を持ってください。
The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the object or area in which you have confidence.
Complete the sentence to mean 'I don't have confidence.'
英語を話すことに自信が___。
'Arimasen' is the negative form of 'arimasu', meaning 'does not exist' or 'do not have'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Confidence' Phrases
Talking to friends or yourself.
自信あるよ！
Standard daily conversation.
自信を持っています。
Speeches or professional writing.
自負しております。
When to Use '自信を持つ'
Job Interview
Highlighting skills
Sports Match
Pep talk to team
First Date
Encouraging a friend
Exam Day
Self-motivation
Practice Bank
2 exercises自分___自信を持ってください。
The particle 'ni' is used to indicate the object or area in which you have confidence.
英語を話すことに自信が___。
'Arimasen' is the negative form of 'arimasu', meaning 'does not exist' or 'do not have'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Jishin ga aru' describes the state of having confidence, while 'jishin o motsu' sounds more like the act of possessing or adopting it. You use 'motsu' more often when encouraging someone to *get* confident.
Yes, you can say Kare wa jishin o motte iru (He has confidence). It's a common way to describe someone's personality.
It depends on the context, but generally, it's seen as positive in business or sports. To be safer, you can add okagesama de (thanks to you/others) to sound more humble.
You would use the verb ushinau (to lose). So, jishin o ushinatta means 'I lost my confidence.'
Use the particle ni. For example, unten ni jishin o motsu means 'to have confidence in driving.'
Absolutely! It's very common to text jishin motte ne! (Have confidence, okay!) to a friend who is worried.
Not exactly slang, but people might say jishin-manman to describe someone who is super cocky or overflowing with confidence.
It's neutral. You can make it formal by saying motte imasu or informal by saying motte iru or just motte.
It literally means 'confidence without basis.' It's a common phrase used to describe someone who is confident even though they haven't proven themselves yet.
Yes! Yume o motsu (to have a dream) is a very common and natural expression, similar to jishin o motsu.
Related Phrases
自信がある (jishin ga aru) - to have confidence
自信をなくす (jishin o nakusu) - to lose confidence
自分を信じる (jibun o shinjiru) - to believe in oneself
自信満々 (jishin manman) - full of confidence
誇りに思う (hokori ni omou) - to feel proud
