承认 (chéngrèn)

承认 covers two related senses: admitting something (often a fault or uncomfortable truth) and officially recognizing something (such as a government or credential).

Meanings

[verb] To admit, to confess (a fault or truth one might prefer to hide).
[verb] To acknowledge, to recognize, to accept as valid or legitimate.

Example Sentences

他终于承认自己在这件事上犯了一个严重的错误。 Tā zhōngyú chéngrèn zìjǐ zài zhè jiàn shì shàng fàn le yī gè yánzhòng de cuòwù. He finally admitted that he had made a serious mistake in this matter.

该协议要求各方相互承认对方颁发的学历证书。 Gāi xiéyì yāoqiú gè fāng xiānghù chéngrèn duìfāng bānfā de xuélì zhèngshū. The agreement requires all parties to mutually recognize academic credentials issued by each other.

尽管证据充分，他始终不肯承认自己参与了这件事。 Jǐnguǎn zhèngjù chōngfèn, tā shǐzhōng bù kěn chéngrèn zìjǐ cānyù le zhè jiàn shì. Despite the substantial evidence, he refused to acknowledge his involvement in the matter.

承认自己的局限性，是一种成熟和自信的表现。 Chéngrèn zìjǐ de júxiànxìng, shì yī zhǒng chéngshú hé zìxìn de biǎoxiàn. Acknowledging one's own limitations is a sign of maturity and confidence.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
承认错误	to admit a mistake
承认失败	to admit defeat
正式承认	to formally recognize
不得不承认	to have to admit
相互承认	mutual recognition

Usage Notes

承认 carries a sense of reluctance or significance — you acknowledge something that matters or that you might have resisted. In diplomatic or legal contexts it means formal recognition (承认某国政府 — to recognize a government). In everyday speech, it often implies admitting something negative. Contrast with 确认 (to confirm), which is neutral and simply verifies a fact.

Memory Hook

承 means "to receive/accept" and 认 means "to recognize" — you receive and recognize something as true, even if it is uncomfortable.