认定

• Pinyin: rèn dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 认 = 讠(speech) + 人 (person); 定 = 宀 (roof) + 正 (straight)

Meaning

To firmly believe; to be convinced of; to officially determine or establish.

Implies a strong conviction or official determination. Used when someone has made up their mind about something and won't easily change. In legal or official contexts, it means to officially determine or certify. Carries more weight than simply believing or thinking.

Examples

1. 她认定这份工作适合自己，于是果断辞去了原来的职位。 She was convinced this job was right for her, so she decisively quit her previous position.
2. 法院认定被告无罪，当庭释放。 The court determined the defendant was not guilty and released them on the spot.
3. 一旦他认定了一件事，就很难说服他改变主意。 Once he's made up his mind about something, it's very hard to persuade him to change it.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, professional, personal conviction

Tone: decisive

Do Say

• 政府认定这项技术符合安全标准。(The government has determined this technology meets safety standards.)
• 我认定他就是对的人。(I'm convinced he's the right person.)

Don't Say

• 我认定明天会下雨 — for casual predictions, use 觉得 or 认为 instead; 认定 implies firm conviction about important matters

Origin & History

Compound of 认 (recognize/acknowledge) + 定 (determine/fix), together meaning to firmly establish a belief or conclusion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal