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March 24, 2026
承认(承認)chéngrèn(cheng2ren4)
承认 (chéngrèn) means to admit or acknowledge something, often in contexts where one must recognize a truth or fact. This verb is commonly used in legal, diplomatic, or personal contexts, indicating an acceptance of reality, responsibility, or feelings.
Frequency#873DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 承认 can carry significant weight, especially in interpersonal relationships where admitting fault is often seen as a virtue and a step toward reconciliation.
Memory Tip
Think of 承 (chéng) as 'to bear' or 'to carry' and 认 (rèn) as 'to recognize'. Imagine carrying a heavy truth that you finally acknowledge; this visualizes the act of admitting something difficult.
Meanings of 承认
chéngrèn(cheng2ren4)
1to admit
2to concede
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About 承认
承认Simplified
承認Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#873Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 承认
Podcast: 承认
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AI Study Notes for 承认
Quick Contrast
承认 (chéngrèn) vs 认可 (rènkě) — use 承认 when acknowledging a truth or fact, while 认可 implies approval or acceptance of a proposal or idea.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 承 (chéng) as 'to bear' or 'to carry' and 认 (rèn) as 'to recognize'. Imagine carrying a heavy truth that you finally acknowledge; this visualizes the act of admitting something difficult.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone and context when using 承认, as it can imply a level of responsibility or fault. Common collocations include 承认错误 (chēngrèn cuòwù) - 'to admit a mistake' and 承认事实 (chēngrèn shìshí) - 'to acknowledge the truth'. Avoid using it in overly casual settings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 承认 builds on simpler concepts of acknowledgment found in earlier levels. Students should practice using it in sentences that require admitting fault or recognizing accomplishments to reinforce its meaning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 承认 can carry significant weight, especially in interpersonal relationships where admitting fault is often seen as a virtue and a step toward reconciliation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 承认 with 认可; for instance, saying '我认可我的错误' (wǒ rènkě wǒ de cuòwù) instead of '我承认我的错误' (wǒ chēngrèn wǒ de cuòwù). The former implies approval rather than admission.
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Pronunciation of 承认
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Grammar Patterns of 承认
承认 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 5 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.
wǒ bù dé bù chéng rèn zì jǐ de zì xiě dé bù hǎo kàn。
I have to admit that I have bad handwriting.
2
我不得不承认，你是对的。
wǒ bù dé bù chéng rèn， ， nǐ shì duì。
I hate to admit it, but you were right.
3
他们所谓的回答不过是表示承认的咕哝罢了。
tā mén suǒ wèi de huí dá bù guò shì biǎo shì chéng rèn de gū nóng bà le。
Their replies were no more than grunts of acknowledgement.
4
他怎么也无法承认是他的错。
tā zěn mó yě wú fǎ chéng rèn shì tā de cuò。
He could never accept that he had been at fault.
5
你不得不承认，你事实上是陷入了困境。
nǐ bù dé bù chéng rèn， ， nǐ shì shí shàng shì xiàn rù le kùn。
You have to admit that you are, in fact, in difficulties.
6
“嗯，”他承认道，“我有时候说话的确有点吐字不清。”
“ “，” ňg ，” tā chéng，“ rèn dào ，“ wǒ yǒu shí hòu shuō huà de què yǒu diǎn tǔ。”
"Well," he conceded, "I do sometimes mumble a bit."
7
他以极大的勇气承认自己酗酒。
tā yǐ jí dà de yǒng qì chéng rèn zì jǐ xù jiǔ。
He showed great courage by admitting that he is an alcoholic.
8
他承认自己跌到了一生中的最低谷。
tā chéng rèn zì jǐ diē dào le yī shēng zhōng de zuì dī gǔ。
He admits to having hit the lowest point in his life .
9
他最终承认他的电影生涯走到尽头了。
tā zuì zhōng chéng rèn tā de diàn yǐng shēng yá zǒu dào jìn tóu le。
He finally admitted that his film career was kaput.
10
他亲口承认自己在佛罗里达从事房地产投机生意时逃过税。
tā qīn kǒu chéng rèn zì jǐ zài fó luó lǐ dá cóng shì fáng dì chǎn tóu jī shēng yì shí táo guò shuì。
By his own admission, he evaded taxes as a Florida real-estate speculator.
Cultural Notes for 承认
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of 承认 can carry significant weight, especially in interpersonal relationships where admitting fault is often seen as a virtue and a step toward reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 承认
Yes, 承认 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially in legal and diplomatic language.
Not exactly; while both mean 'to acknowledge,' 承认 often implies admitting a truth, while 认可 suggests approval or recognition of value.
You can say, '他承认了他的错误' (Tā chēngrènle tā de cuòwù) meaning 'He admitted his mistake.'
