sì ge zìxìn: 四个自信 - The Four Confidences

• Keywords: Four Confidences, sì ge zìxìn, 四个自信, Chinese political theory, Xi Jinping thought, confidence in path, confidence in theory, confidence in system, confidence in culture, socialism with Chinese characteristics, CCP slogan, modern China politics.
• Summary: The term 四个自信 (sì ge zìxìn), translated as the “Four Confidences,” is a cornerstone political slogan of modern China under Xi Jinping. It's not about personal self-esteem but a national declaration of faith in the path, theories, system, and culture of “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.” Understanding the Four Confidences is essential for anyone looking to grasp the official ideology, political discourse, and national direction of contemporary China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): sì ge zìxìn
• Part of Speech: Noun Phrase / Political Slogan
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: The “Four Confidences” is a political concept referring to the Chinese Communist Party's confidence in its chosen path, guiding theories, political system, and national culture.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a country giving itself a powerful pep talk. That's essentially what the “Four Confidences” are. It's a formal, top-down declaration from the Chinese government that it firmly believes its own unique way of doing things—its political system, its socialist theories, its development path, and its ancient culture—is the right one for China. It's a statement of ideological strength and a rejection of the idea that China must copy Western models to succeed.

• 四 (sì): The number “four”.
• 个 (ge): The most common measure word in Chinese. Here, it simply connects the number to the noun, like saying “four units of” confidence.
• 自 (zì): Means “self” or “oneself.” It's the root character for words related to the self.
• 信 (xìn): Means “to believe,” “faith,” or “confidence.”

The last two characters, 自信 (zìxìn), combine to mean “self-confidence.” By adding 四个 (sì ge), the phrase becomes a specific, enumerated list: “The Four Self-Confidences” of the nation and the Party.

The “Four Confidences” is a high-level political concept central to the ideology of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under General Secretary Xi Jinping. It was developed to strengthen belief in China's system and legitimize the Party's long-term rule, both internally and on the world stage. The four components are:

1.  **道路自信 (dàolù zìxìn):** Confidence in the Path. This refers to the path of "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics," China's unique model of economic development combined with one-party political control.
2.  **理论自信 (lǐlùn zìxìn):** Confidence in the Theory. This is confidence in the CCP's guiding ideological framework, which includes Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and, most importantly today, Xi Jinping Thought.
3.  **制度自信 (zhìdù zìxìn):** Confidence in the System. This means faith in China's political and social systems, such as the leadership of the CCP and the People's Congress system, as being superior and more effective for China than Western multi-party democracy.
4.  **文化自信 (wénhuà zìxìn):** Confidence in the Culture. Added by Xi Jinping in 2016, this is confidence in China's 5,000 years of "fine traditional culture," its "revolutionary culture" from the Mao era, and its "advanced socialist culture" being developed today.

Comparison to a Western Concept: This can be compared to the American concept of “American Exceptionalism.” Both are foundational beliefs about a nation's unique and rightful place in the world. However, there's a key difference: “American Exceptionalism” is a more organic, widely debated cultural idea that grew over centuries. The “Four Confidences,” in contrast, is a specific, top-down ideological framework actively promoted and taught by the state to unify thought and reinforce the legitimacy of the ruling party.

You will almost exclusively encounter this term in formal, official, or academic contexts. It is not used in everyday, casual conversation.

• State Media and Government: It is a staple of official documents, presidential speeches, and news reports from state-run media like CCTV and People's Daily. It signals adherence to the party line.
• Education: The “Four Confidences” are a key component of political education classes in Chinese schools and universities, meant to instill patriotic and pro-Party values in the youth.
• Propaganda: You will see it on public billboards, in official slogans, and in government campaigns designed to boost national morale and political unity.

Its connotation is overwhelmingly positive and serious in these official contexts. Using it casually or sarcastically would be highly unusual and could be seen as mocking state ideology.

• Example 1:
  • 我们必须坚定“四个自信”，走好我们自己的路。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū jiāndìng “sì ge zìxìn”, zǒu hǎo wǒmen zìjǐ de lù.
  • English: We must strengthen the “Four Confidences” and walk our own path well.
  • Analysis: This is a very common and standard phrasing, often found in official speeches, emphasizing determination and adherence to China's chosen path.
• Example 2:
  • 文化自信是更基础、更广泛、更深厚的自信，是“四个自信”的基石。
  • Pinyin: Wénhuà zìxìn shì gèng jīchǔ, gèng guǎngfàn, gèng shēnhòu de zìxìn, shì “sì ge zìxìn” de jīshí.
  • English: Cultural confidence is a more fundamental, broader, and deeper confidence; it is the cornerstone of the “Four Confidences.”
  • Analysis: This sentence, often attributed to Xi Jinping, highlights the special importance placed on “cultural confidence” as the foundation for the other three.
• Example 3:
  • 今天的中国比历史上任何时期都更有信心和能力实现中华民族伟大复兴，这种信心来自于我们的四个自信。
  • Pinyin: Jīntiān de Zhōngguó bǐ lìshǐ shàng rènhé shíqī dōu gèng yǒu xìnxīn hé nénglì shíxiàn Zhōnghuá mínzú wěidà fùxīng, zhè zhǒng xìnxīn láizì yú wǒmen de sì ge zìxìn.
  • English: Today's China has more confidence and ability than any period in history to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and this confidence comes from our Four Confidences.
  • Analysis: This links the “Four Confidences” directly to the overarching national goal of the “Chinese Dream” or “national rejuvenation.”
• Example 4:
  • 这位教授在课堂上向学生们阐述了四个自信的深刻内涵。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi jiàoshòu zài kètáng shàng xiàng xuéshēngmen chǎnshù le sì ge zìxìn de shēnkè nèihán.
  • English: In class, the professor explained the profound meaning of the Four Confidences to the students.
  • Analysis: This shows the term's role in the educational and academic sphere.
• Example 5:
  • 坚持四个自信，是全党全国各族人民的共同意志。
  • Pinyin: Jiānchí sì ge zìxìn, shì quán dǎng quánguó gè zú rénmín de gòngtóng yìzhì.
  • English: Upholding the Four Confidences is the common will of the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country.
  • Analysis: This sentence emphasizes unity and presents the concept as a universally accepted principle in China.
• Example 6:
  • 面对外部的质疑，我们更要坚定四个自信。
  • Pinyin: Miànduì wàibù de zhìyí, wǒmen gèng yào jiāndìng sì ge zìxìn.
  • English: In the face of external doubts, we must further strengthen our Four Confidences.
  • Analysis: This highlights the concept's function as a form of ideological defense against foreign criticism.
• Example 7:
  • 制度自信意味着我们相信中国的政治制度是最适合中国国情的。
  • Pinyin: Zhìdù zìxìn yìwèizhe wǒmen xiāngxìn Zhōngguó de zhèngzhì zhìdù shì zuì shìhé Zhōngguó guóqíng de.
  • English: System confidence means that we believe China's political system is the most suitable for China's national conditions.
  • Analysis: This example breaks down one of the four components, “system confidence,” to explain its specific meaning. Note how “四个自信” is implied but not directly stated.
• Example 8:
  • 他在报告中多次提到，四个自信是我们力量的源泉。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài bàogào zhōng duōcì tídào, sì ge zìxìn shì wǒmen lìliàng de yuánquán.
  • English: In his report, he mentioned many times that the Four Confidences are the source of our strength.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in formal reporting and its role as a source of national and political power.
• Example 9:
  • 只有增强四个自信，我们才能在复杂的国际环境中站稳脚跟。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyǒu zēngqiáng sì ge zìxìn, wǒmen cáinéng zài fùzá de guójì huánjìng zhōng zhànwěn jiǎogēn.
  • English: Only by enhancing the Four Confidences can we stand firm in the complex international environment.
  • Analysis: This sentence frames the “Four Confidences” as a prerequisite for national stability and success on the global stage.
• Example 10:
  • 这部纪录片旨在帮助年轻人理解并建立四个自信。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù jìlùpiàn zhǐ zài bāngzhù niánqīngrén lǐjiě bìng jiànlì sì ge zìxìn.
  • English: This documentary aims to help young people understand and build up the Four Confidences.
  • Analysis: This shows how the concept is actively promoted through media to target the younger generation.

• Mistake 1: Confusing it with personal confidence. The most common error for a learner is to mistake “四个自信” for personal self-esteem. It is a political, collective, and national concept. You would never use it to describe an individual's state of mind.
  • Incorrect: 他面试前没有四个自信。 (Tā miànshì qián méiyǒu sì ge zìxìn.) - He didn't have the Four Confidences before his interview.
  • Correct: 他面试前没有自信。 (Tā miànshì qián méiyǒu zìxìn.) - He wasn't confident before his interview.
• Mistake 2: Using it in casual conversation. This term belongs in formal settings. Dropping it into a casual chat about movies or food would sound bizarre and out of place, as if you were reciting a political textbook.
• “False Friend”: National Pride. While related, the “Four Confidences” is not the same as `民族自豪感 (mínzú zìháogǎn)`, or “national pride.” National pride is a general feeling of love and pride for one's country, which anyone can feel. The “Four Confidences” is a specific, state-defined ideological framework that citizens are instructed to believe in. It is much more prescriptive and political.

• 中国梦 (Zhōngguó mèng) - The Chinese Dream. The overarching goal of national prosperity and rejuvenation, which the Four Confidences are meant to help achieve.
• 社会主义核心价值观 (shèhuìzhǔyì héxīn jiàzhíguān) - Core Socialist Values. Another key ideological list (12 values) that defines the moral compass of the nation.
• 新时代中国特色社会主义 (xīn shídài Zhōngguó tèsè shèhuìzhǔyì) - Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The official name for the current guiding ideology of the CCP, within which the Four Confidences is a key principle.
• 民族复兴 (mínzú fùxīng) - National Rejuvenation. A historical goal of restoring China to a position of global prominence and strength.
• 意识形态 (yìshí xíngtài) - Ideology. The broader category of thought and belief to which this term belongs.
• 道路自信 (dàolù zìxìn) - Path Confidence. One of the four pillars.
• 理论自信 (lǐlùn zìxìn) - Theory Confidence. One of the four pillars.
• 制度自信 (zhìdù zìxìn) - System Confidence. One of the four pillars.
• 文化自信 (wénhuà zìxìn) - Cultural Confidence. One of the four pillars.
• 两个确立 (liǎng ge quèlì) - The Two Establishments. A more recent slogan solidifying Xi Jinping's core status and the role of his ideology.