認 (rèn) - To recognize & to identify

認Tone 4

rèn ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

仁荣

認 · rèn

To recognize;

to identify;

to acknowledge;

to admit;

to accept;

to understand.

To recognizeto identifyto acknowledge

Usage highlights

RecognizeAdmit/acknowledgeIdentifyConfirmRecognize charactersTake as adoptive parent

Synonyms

  • 识— To know, recognize
  • 知— To know, understand
  • 承— To admit, acknowledge

Antonyms

  • 否— To deny, refuse
  • 拒— To reject, refuse

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I recognize this person (认识这个人).
  • Please sign here to acknowledge receipt (请签字确认).
  • He admitted his mistake (他认错).
  • The child can recognize many characters (孩子认识很多字).

Collocations

  • Recognize(认识)
  • Admit/acknowledge(承认)
  • Identify(认出)
  • Confirm(确认)
  • Recognize characters(认字)
  • Take as adoptive parent(认亲)

Idioms

  • Six relatives disown you(六亲不认)
  • Recognize a thief as one's father(认贼作父)
  • Admit mistakes and correct them(认错改错)
  • Recognize by appearance(认貌辨色)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines 言 (speech) and 忍 (endure), suggesting acknowledgment through words despite difficulty.
  • In Chinese culture, '认错' (admitting mistakes) is considered a virtue showing humility and responsibility.
  • The concept of '认亲' (recognizing relatives) reflects the importance of family relationships in Chinese society.

FAQ