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March 24, 2026
否认(否認)fǒurèn(fou3ren4)
The verb 否认 (fǒurèn) means to declare something as untrue or to deny the truth of a statement or accusation. It is commonly used in legal contexts, personal disputes, and discussions where someone refutes claims or allegations against them.
Frequency#2826DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of denial can have significant social implications, especially in maintaining face (面子, miànzi) and reputation. Public figures often use 否认 to protect their image in the media.
Memory Tip
Think of 否 (fǒu) as a 'no' sign, and 认 (rèn) as 'recognition'. Together, they create a vivid image: when someone denies something, they are refusing to recognize it as true, like a big 'STOP' sign against a claim.
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AI Study Notes for 否认
Quick Contrast
否认 (deny) vs 反驳 (refute) — use 否认 when simply rejecting a claim, while 反驳 involves providing counterarguments.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 否 (fǒu) as a 'no' sign, and 认 (rèn) as 'recognition'. Together, they create a vivid image: when someone denies something, they are refusing to recognize it as true, like a big 'STOP' sign against a claim.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; 否认 must be pronounced with the third tone (fǒu) followed by the fourth tone (rèn) to convey the correct meaning. Common collocations include 否认事实 (deny the facts) and 否认指控 (deny the accusations).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 否认 connects well with other verbs related to communication and argumentation. Students should focus on its application in sentences to understand its nuances in denying statements or allegations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of denial can have significant social implications, especially in maintaining face (面子, miànzi) and reputation. Public figures often use 否认 to protect their image in the media.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 否认 with 否定 (fǒudìng), which means to negate or refute, but is not always a direct denial of truth. For example, saying '他否定了事实' (Tā fǒudìngle shìshí) is incorrect if you mean he denied the facts; it should be 否认 instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 否认
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Grammar Patterns of 否认
否认 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他____当晚守望不力。
He denied that he'd failed to keep a proper lookout that night.
Example Sentences for 否认 (10)
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1
他否认当晚守望不力。
tā fǒu rèn dāng wǎn shǒu wàng bù lì。
He denied that he'd failed to keep a proper lookout that night.
The minister denied there was a direct connection between the two issues.
3
他们迅速否认了两人在现实生活中是情侣关系的传言。
tā mén xùn sù fǒu rèn le liǎng rén zài xiàn shí shēng huó zhōng shì qíng lǚ guān xì de chuán yán。
They were quick to dismiss rumours of an off-screen romance.
4
那是我自始至终否认的事。
nà shì wǒ zì shǐ zhì zhōng fǒu rèn de shì。
It's something I have consistently denied.
5
他还否认会试图吞并该国。
tā huán fǒu rèn huì shì tú tūn bìng gāi guó。
He also denied that he would seek to annex the country.
6
她否认杀害了她所照管的4个孩子。
tā fǒu rèn shā hài le tā suǒ zhào guǎn de4 4 gè hái。
She denied the murder of four children who were in her care.
7
委员会的结论将十年来的否认和掩饰无情地揭开。
wěi yuán huì de jié lùn jiāng shí nián lái de fǒu rèn hé yǎn shì wú qíng dì jiē kāi。
The commission's conclusions sweep away a decade of denials and cover-ups.
8
谁能否认他是世界上最伟大的大提琴演奏家呢？
shuí néng fǒu rèn tā shì shì jiè shàng zuì wěi dà de dà tí qín yǎn zòu jiā ne？
Who can deny his stature as the world's greatest cellist?
9
另一方否认欠我任何钱。
lìng yī fāng fǒu rèn qiàn wǒ rèn hé qián。
The other side denied that any money was owed to me.
10
《人民日报》用横贯全页的大标题报道了那项否认.
《 《 rén mín rì》 bào 》 yòng héng guàn quán yè de dà biāo tí bào dào le nà xiàng.
The denial was bannered by the People's Daily.
Exercise 1 of 1
Reorder the Sentence
He denied that he'd failed to keep a proper lookout that night.
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Cultural Notes for 否认
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of denial can have significant social implications, especially in maintaining face (面子, miànzi) and reputation. Public figures often use 否认 to protect their image in the media.
Frequently Asked Questions about 否认
Yes, 否认 is specifically used to negate or deny something, making it inherently negative.
Absolutely, 否认 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially in legal or serious discussions.
You can say: 他否认了所有的指控 (Tā fǒurènle suǒyǒu de zhǐkòng) - 'He denied all the accusations.'.
