Inklingo

How to Say "confidence" in Spanish

English → Spanish

confianza

kon-fyan-sa/komˈfjan.sa/

nounA2general
Use 'confianza' when referring to a general feeling of self-assurance or a belief in one's own abilities or the success of something.
A simple, colorful storybook illustration showing a young child doing a trust fall with their eyes closed, being safely and gently caught by a smiling adult standing directly behind them.

Examples

Tengo mucha confianza en que el proyecto saldrá bien.

I have a lot of confidence that the project will turn out well.

Ella es una persona de mi entera confianza; puedes contarle el secreto.

She is a person I entirely trust; you can tell her the secret.

Si quieres hablar en público, tienes que ganar confianza.

If you want to speak in public, you have to gain confidence.

Which Preposition to Use?

To express who or what you trust in, use the preposition 'en': 'Tengo confianza en ti' (I have confidence in you).

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Poner confianza *a* alguien.”

Correction: Poner confianza *en* alguien. The preposition 'en' (in) is required after 'confianza' when stating the object of your trust.

seguridad

/se-goo-ree-DAHD//seɣuɾiˈðað/

nounB1general
Opt for 'seguridad' when describing the outward expression of self-belief, often observed in someone's demeanor or speech.
A young person standing tall and confidently on the peak of a small, stable mountain, symbolizing self-assurance.

Examples

Habló con mucha seguridad durante la entrevista.

He spoke with a lot of confidence during the interview.

Necesitas tener más seguridad en ti misma.

You need to have more confidence in yourself.

Tengo la seguridad de que todo saldrá bien.

I have the certainty that everything will turn out well.

'Seguridad' vs. 'Confianza'

Mistake: “Using 'confianza' when you mean certainty.”

Correction: 'Seguridad' is best when you are sure of a fact. 'Tengo la seguridad de que 2+2=4.' (I'm certain that 2+2=4). 'Confianza' is more about trust in a person or process. 'Tengo confianza en ti.' (I trust you).

Confianza vs. Seguridad

Learners often confuse 'confianza' and 'seguridad' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'confianza' is the internal feeling of belief, while 'seguridad' is how that belief is outwardly demonstrated.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.