非を認める

• Reading: ひをみとめる
• Romaji: hi wo mitomeru
• Kanji breakdown: 非 (hi) — fault, wrong, non-; 認 (mito/nin) — to acknowledge, recognize
• Pronunciation: /çi.o.mi.to.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To admit fault; to acknowledge that one is wrong. Used when someone accepts responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing.

A compound expression combining 非 (fault/wrong) with 認める (to acknowledge). The verb 認める is Group 2 (ichidan). Commonly appears in formal apologies, business contexts, and news reporting about public figures admitting wrongdoing.

Examples

1. 社長は記者会見で自らの非を認めた。 The company president admitted his own wrongdoing at the press conference.
2. 非を認めるのは勇気がいることだ。 It takes courage to admit that you were wrong.
3. 彼はなかなか非を認めようとしない。 He just won't admit that he's in the wrong.

Usage Guide

Context: apologies, business, media

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 非 (hi, fault/wrong) combined with 認める (mitomeru, to acknowledge). The expression follows classical patterns of responsibility-taking deeply rooted in Japanese social ethics.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal